UK Weighs Seizing Russian Oil to Fund Ukraine, Prepares for Shadow Fleet Raids
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The United Kingdom is exploring a controversial yet potentially impactful strategy to bolster Ukraine’s defense: seizing oil from sanctioned Russian tankers and redirecting the proceeds to Kyiv. This comes alongside preparations by UK special forces for potential raids on vessels within Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” aiming to disrupt illicit financial flows and directly support Ukraine’s military efforts.
The plan, first reported by The Times, centers on leveraging the UK’s existing sanctions legislation and anti-money laundering laws to not only cut off revenue streams to the Russian war machine but also to repurpose those funds for Ukrainian resistance. “This will have a dual impact on the Russian military machine – not only will we deprive them of illicit military income, but we will also find a way to help finance the Ukrainian resistance,” a senior official stated. However, the practical implementation of this mechanism remains a significant challenge.
Targeting the Shadow Fleet
Central to this strategy is the disruption of the Russian shadow fleet – a network of tankers used to circumvent international sanctions and continue exporting Russian oil. UK special forces are reportedly training for potential boarding operations, practicing helicopter-borne assaults to capture crews and seize control of these vessels.
Several tankers are already under heightened scrutiny. Two UK-sanctioned vessels, the Spring Fortune and the Range Vale, are expected to transit the English Channel this week and are considered potential targets. Both ships are currently transporting crude oil while flying false flags – Cameroon and Zimbabwe, respectively – in an attempt to conceal their origins.
The Spring Fortune was sanctioned in May of last year for activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine and benefiting the Russian government. Its history is marked by frequent name and flag changes, including registrations in Greece, the Marshall Islands, Malta, and Panama. The Range Vale, sanctioned in 2024, exports oil from Russian ports in the Baltic Sea and is linked to Radiating World Shipping Services, a prominent operator within the shadow fleet. This vessel has also undergone multiple re-registrations, including the Cook Islands, Greece, Honduras, Indonesia, and Niue.
NATO Monitoring and Concerns Over Flag of Convenience
Beyond these immediate targets, NATO officials in the UK are tracking at least three additional suspected Russian tankers – the Vesna, Veronica III, and Bertha – as they navigate the Atlantic towards Europe. This increased activity suggests a heightened risk of further interception operations.
Particular concern has been raised regarding the White Condor, which recently passed through the English Channel flying the flag of Aruba. However, Aruban authorities have clarified that they do not maintain a shipping registry, rendering the use of their flag illegal. They have urged states to pursue criminal charges against any vessels found operating under this false flag within their ports. The White Condor has not undergone a port inspection since 2018, raising serious safety concerns and the potential for accidents or oil spills.
Commander Arlo Abrahamson, head of public affairs for NATO Maritime Command, emphasized the alliance’s ongoing intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts. “The allies regularly coordinate efforts to ensure free and open sea lanes and jointly respond to threats in the maritime domain,” he stated.
Previous Incidents and Questions of NATO Response
The current escalation in monitoring and potential intervention comes amid growing frustration over the perceived lack of decisive action against the shadow fleet. Reports surfaced in December that NATO had largely failed to address documented instances of sabotage linked to these vessels. The case of the Eagle S, a tanker that damaged several submarine cables in the Baltic Sea after dragging its anchor, highlighted this issue. The vessel and its crew were eventually arrested by Finland, but critics argue that a more proactive response could have prevented the damage.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously acknowledged the growing pressure on the Russian shadow fleet, stating that at least 20% of its ships are currently immobilized. However, the effectiveness of these measures and the long-term impact on Russia’s ability to finance its war effort remain uncertain.
The UK’s proposed strategy represents a significant escalation in Western efforts to disrupt Russia’s economic capabilities and support Ukraine. While the legal and logistical challenges are substantial, the potential benefits – both in terms of depriving Russia of revenue and bolstering Ukraine’s defense – are driving the UK government to explore this bold and controversial course of action.
