British special forces are reportedly preparing to launch operations against vessels in Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," as the government considers a major escalation in efforts to enforce oil sanctions against Vladimir Putin's regime.
Legal Pathway for Military Action Identified
This bold move, which would be a first for the United Kingdom, is being contemplated after the government identified that soldiers could utilise the 2018 Sanctions and Money Laundering Act to legally use military force against sanctioned boats. The government reportedly plans to marshal troops using this legislation, which could approve force against approximately 500 vessels sanctioned since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.
According to reports, these hundreds of vessels would become military targets under options being billed as a significant step-up in action against Russia. The appetite to "do more" is said to be growing across Europe, with preparations for a "big joint op" in their "early days," a defence source told The Times.
Following a Successful Joint Operation
The development comes hot on the heels of an audacious collaborative mission between the UK and the United States. Last week, special forces assisted with 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 ship was a "sanctioned, stateless vessel" which carried "a long history of nefarious activity" and shared "close links with both Iran and Russia." It was intercepted while "falsely flagged" with a Russian flag. Mr Healey praised the "skill and professionalism" of the UK Armed Forces in the operation, which he said formed "part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting."
Targeting Putin's Clandestine Network
The "shadow fleet" is a major revenue stream for the Kremlin, allegedly raking in up to £100 billion for Putin while helping Russia circumvent extensive international sanctions. Russia and its allies, including Iran, have been accused of operating these ships, which often sail without a valid national flag to avoid detection and penalties.
Under the proposed plans, sanctioned vessels believed to be flying false flags would risk being boarded by a joint military force. This could involve the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, special forces, and the UK's NATO allies. A source indicated the complexity of such operations, stating, "There is a broader appetite across Europe to do more, so it could be the UK contributing more to other European nations’ operations or doing something jointly."
The successful capture of the Marinera has given the UK government confidence that it can now act independently under existing legal frameworks to detain vessels that form part of Putin's clandestine seafaring network.
