Despite UK sanctions, dozens of Russian tankers cross the English Channel
Despite the sanctions imposed by the UK, dozens of Russian oil tankers continue to pass through the English Channel. According to BBC, After the government obtained legal grounds to detain such vessels, at least 42 sanctioned tankers, related to the so-called «shadow fleet» Russia.
Details
According to journalists, these are vessels used to transport Russian oil in circumvention of international sanctions. Despite the new powers of the British authorities, these tankers were not stopped during the passage of one of the most important sea arteries in Europe.
Among them is a tanker Sofos, which has been under sanctions since May 2025. The vessel crossed the English Channel after a voyage from Venezuela and is currently heading towards Russia.
Context.
Western countries have repeatedly stated their intention to increase pressure on the Russian «shadow fleet», which is used to circumvent oil sanctions and finance the war against Ukraine. At the same time, the actual absence of detentions of sanctioned vessels raises questions about effectiveness of control and implementation of the sanctions regime.
Analysts note that the English Channel remains a critical route for shipping, and any decisions to detain ships have serious legal and international political consequences.
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