Following threats by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to respond “in kind” to actions against Russian vessels, the UK has stressed that the detention of Russia’s “shadow fleet” tankers is fully in accordance with international law.
“The UK is disrupting and deterring shadow fleet vessels and their harmful maritime activity which is fuelling Russia’s war against Ukraine,” a UK government spokesperson said. According to the spokesperson, unlike Russia’s shadow fleet, “UK armed forces and commercial vessels operate firmly in line with international maritime law.”
Russia uses the “shadow fleet” to circumvent international sanctions imposed on its oil exports. The UK Ministry of Defence noted that Russia has a fleet of more than 700 vessels responsible for carrying 75% of the country’s sanctioned oil. Officials also emphasised that this oil is a “critical lifeline for the Kremlin” in sustaining Russia’s war.
London’s statement came against the backdrop of Moscow’s threats following the British forces’ operation to detain the tanker Smyrtos in June 2026, which UK authorities classify as part of the “shadow fleet.”