Russia Denounces UK Plans to Seize Vessels in British Waters

(MENAFN) Russia has criticized the United Kingdom after London announced intentions to seize ships in its waters that it claims are part of an alleged Russian “shadow fleet.” Moscow denies the existence of such a fleet and condemned the seizure of vessels on international waters as “piracy.”

According to reports, Downing Street stated on Wednesday that the UK would work with allies in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF)—a coalition of ten European NATO countries—to “close off UK waters, including the [English] Channel, for sanctioned vessels.” The aim is to compel operators to “either divert to longer, financially painful routes, or risk being detained by British forces.”

In preparation, British military and legal experts have reportedly developed scenarios for situations “including boarding vessels that don’t surrender, are armed, or use high-tech pervasive surveillance to evade capture.” Each potential action would involve review by law enforcement, military, and energy market specialists, who would then advise ministers before any operation is carried out.

The Russian Embassy in London denounced the plans as a “deeply hostile step,” accusing the UK of planning “acts of piracy.” The statement also suggested that the timing of the announcement indicated a link to recent escalations of Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, implying British involvement.

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