UK clears armed forces to board and detain sanctioned shadow fleet ships in British waters

The UK government said armed forces and law enforcement officers will be able to board and detain Russian shadow fleet vessels passing through British waters, with owners, operators and crew potentially facing criminal proceedings for breaching UK sanctions. Each target will be assessed by law enforcement, military and energy market specialists before ministers approve action. The announcement, made as Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended a Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Helsinki, noted that the UK and allies had sanctioned 544 shadow fleet vessels. Starmer said Britain was "going after his shadow fleet even harder", linking the move to President Putin's gains from higher oil prices.

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