UK TARGETS RUSSIAN SHADOW FLEET – Starmer urges tougher action on Russian oil ships as allies step up pressure
Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the UK and its allies must go “even harder” after Russia’s shadow fleet, as efforts intensify to curb Moscow’s oil exports.
Speaking at a defence summit in Helsinki, Starmer confirmed he has authorised British forces to board and detain vessels suspected of evading Western sanctions.
He warned that rising oil prices, driven by the Middle East conflict, could benefit Vladimir Putin, saying the Russian leader is likely “rubbing his hands.”
The move comes as European nations increase coordination to disrupt the network of tankers used to fund Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Addressing the summit remotely, Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged leaders to maintain pressure, warning that Russian vessels “must not feel safe in European waters.”
The Joint Expeditionary Force, which includes the UK and nine northern European nations, is now expected to step up joint operations in response.
