Kathrine Frich
Pressure on Moscow could soon shift from sanctions rooms to open seas.
British officials are weighing a bold step that would take the confrontation with Russia into far riskier territory.
The plans, still undeclared publicly, signal a possible escalation in how London seeks to curb Russia’s ability to fund its war.
New pressure tool
British special forces are being prepared for potential operations against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, The Times reported.
The vessels, many of them aging oil tankers, are used to bypass Western sanctions and move Russian crude around the world.
A defence source told the newspaper that seizing ships at sea was being actively discussed as a way to intensify economic pressure.
“If you want to dial up the economic pressure on Russia, that looks like operators fast-roping on to illegal oil tankers,” the source said.
No timeline has been set for any such missions.
Who would lead
The operations would likely be carried out by the Special Boat Service, the Royal Navy’s elite maritime unit.
The SBS specialises in boarding vessels from helicopters, often using fast-roping techniques to seize control of ships and detain crews.
According to the Royal Navy, SBS personnel are trained for covert raids that rely on speed and surprise.
Their skillset includes underwater reconnaissance, demolition and amphibious operations.
There have so far been no confirmed cases of British forces boarding Russian shadow fleet vessels.
Legal groundwork
UK ministers have spent recent weeks examining the legal basis for such actions.
Officials believe the Sanctions and Money Laundering Act could allow British forces to board, detain and seize oil tankers linked to sanctioned Russian activity.
If approved, the move could place hundreds of poorly regulated or stateless vessels on notice.
Many of these ships operate under flags of convenience or opaque ownership structures.
The aim, according to officials, would be to disrupt Russia’s ability to export oil outside formal markets.
Political backdrop
The discussions come as Britain’s military leadership has warned of serious budget pressures.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton has said the Ministry of Defence lacks the funds to meet all its ambitions, with reports of a multibillion-pound shortfall over the coming years.
At the same time, tensions between London and Moscow have intensified.
Russian officials recently lashed out at Defence Secretary John Healey after he said he would like to detain Vladimir Putin and hold him accountable for war crimes.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry, dismissed the comments with insults.
Sources: The Times, Royal Navy, Express.
