London considers shadow fleet oil as a resource for Ukraine: Britain prepares legal and military response to Russia
14 January 15:38
The UK is exploring the possibility of using oil seized from ships belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” to finance military support for Ukraine. This was reported by a source in the British government, commenting on plans that are currently being developed, according to The Times, as reported by "Komersant Ukrainian".
According to London’s plan, such a move would have a dual purpose: to cut off one of the channels of financing for the Russian war and, at the same time, to direct the funds obtained from sanctioned oil to support Ukrainian resistance. However, whether this mechanism can be implemented in practice remains an open question.
What London is discussing
According to The Times’ source, the British government is looking for a legally sound way not only to block Russia’s illegal revenues from energy exports, but also to turn them into a resource to help Ukraine. This concerns oil transported by tankers that circumvent international sanctions by changing flags, names, and jurisdictions.
“This will have a double impact on the Russian war machine,” the official said, stressing that this involves both economic pressure on Moscow and additional funding for Kyiv.
Raids against the “shadow fleet”
At the same time, British media are reporting on preparations for a forceful scenario. According to The Times, elite British units are training for possible raids on ships of the Russian “shadow fleet.” These are operations to seize tankers on the high seas on the basis of national legislation on sanctions and anti-money laundering.
Potential targets include the tankers Spring Fortune and Range Vale, which are under British sanctions and are due to pass through the English Channel. Both ships sail under the flags of third countries, which, according to London, only confirms attempts to hide their connection with Russian oil exports.
Who is in the West’s sights
Spring Fortune was added to the sanctions list in 2025 for activities that, according to Britain, contributed to the destabilization of Ukraine and support for the Russian government. The ship has repeatedly changed names and flags, including Greek, Maltese, and Panamanian.
Range Vale is linked to oil exports from Russian ports, including in the Baltic Sea, as well as to a UAE company considered one of the key operators of the “shadow fleet.” According to Western sources, NATO is tracking at least several more similar tankers crossing the Atlantic.
