UK defends tanker seizures after Putin’s “shadow fleet” warning

The UK maintained that the detention of tankers belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” is being carried out in accordance with international maritime law, the BBC reports.

London’s response came after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks about possible “mirror” measures against Western vessels. British authorities said they would continue to take action against ships helping Russia circumvent sanctions.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, Russia’s “shadow fleet” consists of more than 700 vessels and transports around 75% of Russian oil subject to sanctions.

Earlier, Putin warned Western countries against seizing more of these tankers, saying: “If these plans are put into practice, we will have to respond in kind.”

“And not necessarily in the waters where raids on our ships and vessels are planned, but wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate, anywhere,” he noted

Echoing Putin’s remarks, Viktor Liina, commander of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, accused Western countries, including Britain and France, of operating their own “shadow fleets.”

“We have the capacity to inspect and detain vessels of unfriendly states and their shadow fleets, and interagency cooperation is in place, ready to begin addressing these challenges,” Liina said.

By Jeyhun Aghazada