Sanctioned Russian Tankers Navigate English Channel Amid UK Promises of Action

Mon Jan 26 2026 09:34:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Despite UK assurances of assertive measures against sanctioned vessels, oil tankers tied to Russia continue to traverse the English Channel, raising questions about enforcement and sanctions effectiveness.

Dozens of Russian oil tankers, sanctioned due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, have successfully navigated the English Channel this month, despite the UK government's declarations of implementing stricter enforcement measures. Recent reports indicate that the tankers utilize a shadow fleet strategy, altering identities and evading detection. While the UK has vowed to take stronger action—potentially boarding these vessels—no independent operations have yet occurred, drawing criticisms from various political figures and highlighting the ongoing struggle against Russia's maritime operations.

Dozens of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK in response to Russia's war in Ukraine have sailed through the English Channel this month despite defence officials vowing to take assertive action.

Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has used hundreds of ageing tankers with obscured ownership - known as the shadow fleet - to evade sanctions on its oil exports.

The BBC understands that the UK government received legal assurances earlier this month that such vessels can be detained. Yet 42 sanctioned tankers tracked by BBC Verify passing through the English Channel did so after that advice was received.

Among them was the Sofos - a tanker sanctioned by the UK Foreign Office in May 2025. It moved through the Channel after travelling from Venezuela and is now near the Russian city of St Petersburg.

Ship-tracking data shows the Sofos loaded oil in Russia in mid-November, before travelling to Turkey and then to Venezuela, where it switched off its tracking signal. Satellite imagery later placed it at Venezuela's Jose oil terminal on 22 and 23 December, before its signal reappeared outside the country's waters on 26 December.

The Nasledie, a tanker aged more than 20 years, also entered the Channel in January. Sanctioned by the UK in May 2025, this vessel has been part of the shadow fleet since 2023.

Despite promises from UK authorities to combat the shadow fleet's activities and the UK's involvement in assisting international partners in seizing vessels, the lack of independent actions raises concerns about the efficacy of current sanctions and measures in place.

Politicians, including Dame Emily Thornberry and Mike Martin, have expressed disappointment and concern regarding the reluctance of the UK to independently take action against these vessels, which are believed to be crucial in funding Russia's military operations in Ukraine.

As the situation evolves, analysts emphasize the need for increased enforcement to truly impact the shadow fleet's operations and diminish Russia's economic support.