UK Defence Secretary John Healey discussed with counterparts from the Baltic and Nordic countries the seizure of tankers that may be linked to Russia’s «shadow fleet,» Bloomberg reported, citing a source.

The meeting of representatives from ten countries took place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Bloomberg noted that the talks reflected Europe’s intention to intensify efforts to further reduce Russia’s revenues.

According to the source, the discussions were also attended by the head of the UK Armed Forces, Richard Knighton, who proposed possible courses of action regarding the tankers, including joint seizure operations.

The Bloomberg source said it remains unclear what role the United States will play in the initiative, though it is presumed to involve coordination.

After the meeting, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that countries providing flags to shadow fleet vessels must understand that other states may take measures.

On January 7, the UK Ministry of Defence, at the request of US authorities, assisted in the seizure of the Russian oil tanker Marinera.

Later, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that in connection with the incident, London began examining whether the UK’s 2018 Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act could serve as legal grounds for deploying British armed forces to detain vessels that, in London’s view, bypass unilateral restrictions.

On January 12, it was reported that the UK Cabinet had prepared the legal framework for using the army to detain vessels allegedly linked to Russia’s «shadow fleet.»