13:19 10-04-2026

UK Avoids Seizing Russian Tankers Over Legal Risks

© A. Krivonosov

The UK has not detained sanctioned Russian oil tankers due to concerns over violating international law, despite having authority to inspect them.

The United Kingdom is refraining from detaining Russian vessels due to fears of violating international law, The Telegraph reports.

According to the publication, the Royal Navy has not detained a single sanctioned Russian oil tanker despite having the authority to act. At the same time, British special forces have been granted permission to board such vessels, but no such operations have been carried out so far.

In March, London stated that its military would be able to board and inspect sanctioned vessels transiting through British territorial waters. The UK also announced plans to tighten restrictions, including closing its waters, such as the English Channel, to such ships. These measures target the so-called «shadow fleet," which is said to be used for transporting Russian energy resources.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented that amid repeated incidents of piracy in international waters, Moscow will take steps to protect its interests.