London promises action against russia's "shadow fleet", but sanctioned tankers continue to cross English Channel - media

At least eight russian tankers under UK sanctions for transporting illegal oil are currently moving across the English Channel, despite the London government's promises to take decisive action against russia's "shadow fleet."

It was reported by the portal of the British broadcaster BBC.

The UK government has vowed to take new "decisive action" against shadow fleet vessels, and according to the publication, officials have received legal advice that tankers can be inspected and confiscated. However, this power has not yet been used

"On Friday morning, the ship tracking site MarineTraffic showed that eight tankers sanctioned in the UK were currently moving through the English Channel. A further four tankers appear to be heading towards the passage from the North Sea," the report said.

Some of these tankers, including the Kusto, a 21-year-old oil tanker currently heading south of the Isle of Wight, have made repeated trips across the English Channel over the past year. According to MarineTraffic, the Kusto loaded its cargo in the russian Baltic port of Ust-Luga 10 days ago.

As noted in the publication, the UK government emphasizes the need for "decisive action" against shadow fleet vessels.