UK warns it will act lawfully against Russia shadow fleet

The government has signalled a harder line against Russia’s “shadow fleet”, telling MPs it is prepared to use regulatory and interdiction powers, within the law, to choke off the oil revenues funding the war in Ukraine.

During a Commons debate on Ukraine, Foreign Office Minister Stephen Doughty said the UK has already sanctioned more than 900 individuals, entities and ships under its Russia sanctions regime, including Russia’s largest oil companies and 520 oil tankers. He added that the UK supported the United States last week in intercepting the sanctioned vessel Bella 1 in the North Atlantic as it travelled to Russia.

“We are working with international partners on further measures to tackle the shadow fleet,” Doughty said. “Those include additional sanctions, steps to discourage third countries from engaging with the fleet, increased information sharing, and readiness to use regulatory and interdiction powers.”

He framed the effort as an attempt to make oil exports riskier for Moscow and to squeeze the Russian war economy by restricting hard currency flows from energy. “By choking off Russia’s oil revenues and squeezing its war economy, we are showing Putin that he cannot outlast us,” he said.

Doughty claimed there is evidence sanctions are having an effect, pointing to reduced oil export revenues and signalling further steps in 2026, including measures already announced by ministers. “Russia’s oil export revenues are at a four-year low,” he said. “We are preparing to implement further significant sanctions this year… including bans on importing refined oil of Russian origin, and a maritime service ban on Russian liquefied natural gas.”

Pressed by Conservative MP Sir Bernard Jenkin on whether the UK and its allies intend to make exporting Russian oil and gas “far more risky” through large-scale interception of the shadow fleet, Doughty refused to discuss operational detail but offered a warning of intent.

“The hon. Member will note that I chose my words about future actions carefully,” he said. “We know what Putin is doing… and we will not hesitate to act where we can, lawfully, to choke off those revenues that go towards fuelling the war against Ukraine.”

He added: “Let this be a warning: we will not hesitate to use the powers we have… wherever we can.”

Doughty also said the UK is working with partners to tackle third-country circumvention routes, including networks and supply chains supporting Russia’s access to components and revenue streams. He told MPs the government would continue to engage with partner countries and, where necessary, impose sanctions.

“We continue to work and engage with all partners around the world about the reality of any loopholes or routes that could be supporting the war,” he said, adding that the UK would “not hesitate to sanction and take action, where appropriate.”