Marta Gichko 09:37, 14.01.26 UNIAN
London is discussing the seizure of sanctioned oil from Russian tankers and possible special forces raids to direct the funds received to support Ukraine
The UK is discussing the possibility of channeling funds from oil seized from Russian shadow fleet vessels to support Ukraine’s war effort, The Times reported , citing a government source familiar with the discussions.
One option would see London not only cutting off financial flows to the Russian military machine but also redirecting money from the sale of sanctioned oil directly to Ukraine. However, sources acknowledge that the practical implementation of such a mechanism remains an open question.
“This will have a double impact on the Russian military machine – we will not only deprive them of illegal military revenues, but also find a way to help finance the Ukrainian resistance,” the source noted.
Against this backdrop, UK special forces are preparing for possible raids on Russian shadow fleet vessels. These are elite units trained to board tankers from helicopters and seize crews. Such actions became possible after the government defined the legal framework for operations within sanctions legislation and anti-money laundering legislation.
Tankers will become targets
According to the publication, two British-sanctioned tankers – the Spring Fortune and the Range Vale – are due to transit the English Channel around midweek. Both are carrying crude oil and are flying false flags of Cameroon and Zimbabwe, making them potential targets for interference.
The Spring Fortune was added to the British sanctions list in May last year for its involvement in activities aimed at destabilizing Ukraine or benefiting the Russian government. The tanker has previously changed names and flags several times, including Greece, the Marshall Islands, Malta and Panama.
The Range Vale exports oil from Russian ports, including in the Baltic Sea, and has been under sanctions since 2024. The vessel is linked to the UAE-based Radiating World Shipping Services, one of the leading operators of Russia’s shadow fleet. The tanker has also changed names and flags several times, including to the Cook Islands, Greece, Honduras, Indonesia and Niue.
In addition, NATO officials in the UK are reportedly tracking at least three suspected Russian tankers – the Vesna, Veronica III and Bertha – as they head across the Atlantic towards Europe, raising the possibility of further ship-seizing operations.
The White Condor, which sailed through the English Channel without incident under the Aruban flag, has attracted particular attention. Aruban authorities have said the country has no shipping register and that using its flag is illegal, and have urged states to prosecute such vessels if they enter their ports. The tanker has not been inspected in port since 2018, raising concerns about safety and the risk of accidents or oil spills.
Commander Arlo Abrahamson, head of public affairs at NATO Maritime Command, said the alliance constantly shares intelligence on vessels of interest. He said allies “regularly coordinate efforts to ensure free and open sea lanes and jointly respond to maritime threats.”
Why not auction off the oil rigs too while we’re at it and give the money to the defenders in Ukraine?
“auction off the oil rigs”
The oil tankers?