Britain may transfer to Ukraine proceeds from the sale of confiscated Russian oil
25 June 21:48
The United Kingdom plans to auction off oil from the seized Russian shadow tanker *Smirtos* to raise funds for Ukraine’s war effort. This was reported by The Telegraph, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
What options are being considered
“British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering the sale of 98,000 metric tons of Russian Ural crude oil. The market value of this cargo is approximately 35 million pounds sterling (over 44 million dollars). Since the vessel violated sanctions legislation, British officials believe that the confiscated oil now legally belongs to the United Kingdom,” the publication writes.
Two options for using the funds are currently being considered:
- a direct transfer of funds to Ukraine
- funding military equipment and vehicles to be sent to the front lines
There is also an alternative option—to process the fuel domestically for the country’s energy needs; however, the mechanism for transferring the oil from the state to private energy companies has not yet been determined.
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Ship Detention
On Sunday, June 14, the British military intercepted a tanker belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet that was attempting to pass through the English Channel. The vessel, the Smyrtos, is currently anchored off the coast of Weymouth under the control of the British Ministry of Defense.
Once the National Crime Agency completes its investigation, the ship itself is scheduled to be returned to Russia.
Meanwhile, the ship’s captain, Indian citizen Ajay Pant, has been charged with intentionally circumventing sanctions and illegally supplying Russian petroleum products.
He will remain in custody until his court hearing, scheduled for July 16. The defense argues that the captain was merely following orders and had no control over the route.
The British government emphasizes that this raid is only the beginning of a large-scale campaign against Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The situation is complicated by the fact that some Russian tankers in the English Channel are escorted by Russian military ships, which prevents their immediate seizure.
Interception of Russian “shadow fleet” vessels
As a reminder, European countries have recently significantly increased pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet, which is attempting to circumvent international restrictions at sea. In particular, the French Navy detained the oil tanker Deliver off the coast of Sicily, which was operating in violation of maritime law.
As French President Emmanuel Macron stated, Europe is closing maritime loopholes for Russian oil thanks to the allies’ united and resolute stance.
This became possible after the EU Council adopted a decision to expand the mandate of the IRINI naval mission in the Mediterranean Sea.
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