UK defends seizing shadow fleet tanker after Putin threat

The UK government has maintained that its seizure of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel was justified, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat to respond in kind. The Smyrtos tanker was intercepted and boarded by Royal Marines Commandos in June, marking the first such operation aimed at disrupting a sanctioned vessel. Captain Ajay Pant has been charged with breaching Russian sanctions for allegedly supplying or delivering prohibited Russian oil.

Russian President Putin has condemned Western nations for seizing Russian vessels, labeling it piracy and banditry. He claims Russia operates a shadow fleet of hundreds of ships to evade international sanctions imposed on its oil exports. These vessels use complex ownership structures and tactics to conceal their cargo's origin, masking their connection to Russia.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, Russia's shadow fleet comprises over 700 vessels, responsible for transporting 75% of the country's sanctioned oil, a vital resource for sustaining Russia's war in Ukraine.

Putin warned Western countries not to seize more such tankers, stating that if they do, Russia will respond in kind, not necessarily in the waters where raids are planned, but wherever deemed appropriate. Russia's Pacific Fleet commander, Viktor Liina, has accused Western countries, including Britain and France, of operating their own shadow fleets, asserting that Russia has the capacity to inspect and detain vessels from unfriendly states and their shadow fleets.

The UK government asserts that Britain's armed forces and law-enforcement officers acted within international law when boarding the Smyrtos. The government spokesperson stated that unlike Russia's shadow fleet, UK armed forces and commercial vessels operate in accordance with international maritime law. The Smyrtos remains detained at a port near Weymouth, England, where British authorities are monitoring it.

The ship owner is responsible for maintaining the vessel, including providing supplies for the crew. Twenty-two of the original 25 crew members have been repatriated, but 22 remain on board.