UK discusses seizing tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet
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According to Bloomberg, the United Kingdom and its allies are considering seizing vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet. (Photo: REUTERS/Tatiana Meel)
British Defense Secretary John Healey met with Baltic and Nordic counterparts to discuss the possible seizure of oil tankers linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, Bloomberg reported on Feb. 13.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference during a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force, a 10-nation coalition with shared security interests in the North Atlantic and Baltic Sea region, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Bloomberg said the discussions reflect a growing willingness among allied countries to step up efforts to curb oil revenues that help finance Russia’s war against Ukraine.
At the same time, some members remain cautious over concerns about potential escalation, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a separate interview.
Admiral Sir Richard Knight, head of the British armed forces, attended the meeting with Healey and presented a range of options, including joint seizure operations, according to people who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were private.
If approved, the Joint Expeditionary Force would reportedly draw on U.S. actions to intercept tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, sometimes in coordination with allies, following the detention of President Nicolás Maduro. Some of those vessels are said to have ties to Russia.
It remains unclear to what extent the United States would participate in any U.K.-led effort, although one source told Bloomberg that some level of coordination is likely.
The interception of vessels linked to Russia has reportedly alarmed Moscow, with Russian officials privately urging the United States to halt such actions, the outlet said.
Russia’s shadow fleet consists of roughly 1,500 tankers that use flags of convenience and opaque ownership structures to circumvent sanctions and regulatory requirements. More than 600 of those vessels have been sanctioned by the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States over their links to Russia.
Last month, 14 European countries warned that tankers operating in the Baltic and North Seas must sail under a single, clearly registered flag.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in January 2026 that at least 20% of Russia’s shadow fleet vessels had already been halted.
On Feb. 2, Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions on companies servicing Russia’s tanker fleet and transporting sanctioned oil.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Feb. 6 that Washington is considering tightening sanctions against Russia, with further measures potentially tied to the progress of peace negotiations.
Bloomberg also reported that the European Union is preparing its 20th sanctions package against Russia, which is expected to further target the Kremlin’s oil revenues, expand restrictions on banks and intensify pressure on the shadow fleet and sanction-evasion schemes.
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