Royal Navy Fails to Seize Russian Tankers Despite Starmer’s Pledges

The UK government faces criticism after sanctioned tankers escorted by a Russian frigate were allowed to pass through the English Channel without intervention. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied The Mozambican-flagged oil tanker “Deyna”, suspected of belonging to the Russian’s shadow fleet, near the Rainaires beach, close to Port-de-Bouc, in Martigues on March 25, 2026. (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The British Royal Navy has failed to seize a single Russian tanker despite Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s earlier vows to “pursue and detain” vessels belonging to Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” The Telegraph reported on April 9. According to the report, the Attorney General for England and Wales, Lord Richard Hermer, had provided legal counsel on how these tankers could be stopped within British territorial waters to prevent the delivery of sanctioned oil to Russia’s allies. His recommendations suggested that special forces and officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) could board the vessels. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . However, no such operations have taken place, reportedly due to concerns over violating international maritime law. A recent incident on April 9 saw the Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich, armed with missiles, escorting two sanctioned tankers through British waters. The Royal Navy vessel Tideforce followed the procession but did not intervene. The diplomatic friction over energy security follows Prime Minister Starmer’s recent remarks expressing frustration with both President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin . Speaking with ITV, Starmer stated he was “fed up” with the volatility of energy bills caused by the actions of both leaders amidst the global fuel crisis triggered by the war in Iran. While France has proposed tougher penalties and prison sentences for shadow fleet vessels evading sanctions, the UK has taken a more cautious approach. This caution persists even as global fuel prices skyrocket due to Tehran’s continued disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. Other Topics of Interest Ukrainians Doubt Easter Ceasefire After Deadly Pre-Truce Strikes “It’s hard to expect a miracle,” Ukrainians said ahead of Moscow’s promised Easter truce, with many doubtful the brief ceasefire would hold. Starmer has recently been working to convene a “coalition of countries” to restore freedom of navigation in the Middle East without direct US involvement, a plan he discussed with Trump during a call on Thursday. However, the UK’s inability to secure its own waters against the shadow fleet raises questions about the feasibility of its broader maritime strategy. The shadow fleet, consisting of nearly 600 vessels, continues to use tactics like changing flags and invalid registrations to bypass Western sanctions. While Kyiv has taken direct action – reportedly striking a Russian gas tanker in March using drones based in Libya – European allies remain divided on how to legally and militarily confront these vessels in their own territorial waters. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.