British special forces are reportedly preparing to launch operations against Russian "shadow fleet" tankers, as the government considers a major escalation in its efforts to enforce oil sanctions against Vladimir Putin's regime.
Legal Powers for Military Action
This bold move, which would be a first for the United Kingdom, is being explored after the government identified that soldiers could utilise an eight-year-old piece of legislation to legally use military force against sanctioned boats. The government plans to marshal troops using the 2018 Sanctions and Money Laundering Act to approve such actions.
Under this plan, the approximately 500 vessels sanctioned since the start of the war in Ukraine could become military targets. A defence source told The Times that preparations for a "big joint op" are in their "early days," reflecting a growing appetite across Europe to "do more" against Russian sanctions evasion.
Following a Successful Joint Operation
The news comes hot on the heels of an audacious collaborative mission between the UK and the United States. Last week, special forces assisted in the US seizure of the Venezuelan oil tanker Marinera, also known as the "Bella 1," in the North Atlantic.
Defence Secretary John Healey told the House of Commons that the vessel was a "sanctioned, stateless" ship with a "long history of nefarious activity" and close links to both Iran and Russia. It was intercepted while falsely flying a Russian flag. Healey praised the "skill and professionalism" of the UK Armed Forces in the operation, which he said was part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.
Targeting Putin's Clandestine Network
The so-called "shadow fleet" is a critical financial lifeline for the Kremlin, allegedly having raked in up to £100 billion for Putin's war chest while skirting international sanctions. Russia and allies like Iran are accused of operating these ships, which often sail without a valid national flag to avoid detection and penalties.
The Times reports that any sanctioned vessels believed to be flying false flags would risk being descended upon by a joint military force potentially involving the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, special forces, and UK NATO allies. A defence source indicated that the UK could either contribute more to other European nations' operations or undertake a joint mission, noting that "these types of things are quite complex."
This potential new phase of direct action represents a significant hardening of the UK's stance and could mark a dramatic new front in the economic and logistical battle against Russia's war machine.
