Britain Has Authorized The Military To Detain "shadow Navy" Vessels

• 26.03.2026, 10:27

London's big decision.

British armed forces and law enforcement agencies have been given the right to inspect and detain vessels under UK sanctions and passing through its territorial waters. The corresponding decision adopted by Prime Minister Keir Starmer was reported by the country's government on Wednesday, March 25.

The press release notes that the new powers will be another blow to Russia's "shadow fleet," which is being used to finance the war against Ukraine.

According to the British government, about 75% of Russia's crude oil is transported by just such vessels, as well as an outdated fleet. In total, the UK, together with its allies, has imposed sanctions against 544 vessels belonging to the "shadow fleet."

The announcement coincided with Starmer's arrival in Helsinki for the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit, where he is scheduled to discuss regional security issues and measures to counter Russia's increasingly aggressive policies on March 26.