UK Military Fails to Board Russian Shadow Fleet Ships

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, authorized the British military on March 25 to board vessels belonging to Russia's shadow fleet. Despite this directive, the policy has not reduced the number of sanctioned Russian ships transiting British waters.

A Reuters analysis found that at least 98 sanctioned vessels passed through UK waters in the month following the decision. This volume remains consistent with the previous three months, with 63 ships traveling through the English Channel and 35 passing through the exclusive economic zone, primarily near northern Scotland.

Although 544 vessels are currently on the UK sanctions list, the government has announced no boardings or detentions. This inaction is attributed to legal complexities and the absence of a dedicated law-enforcement coast guard. The Government of Russia has condemned the boarding policy as a deeply hostile move.