Russia's Navy Deterred Estonia From Boarding Its 'Shadow Fleet'

All that it took was the Russian Navy's presence to get Estonia to back down, thus suggesting that escort missions could get other countries to back down in waters farther afield. For that to happen, however, the Russian Navy would have to escort groups of“shadow fleet” vessels since it doesn't have enough ships to accompany every single vessel on a one-by-one basis. Most go to China and India so these would be lengthy missions practically circumnavigating Eurasia via the Suez Canal.

It's around there where the US and/or its allies could more easily board these vessels if they have the will – but likely only with Egypt's approval since they're not expected to violate their ally's sovereignty by staging such missions in its territorial waters at the entrance or exit of the canal. The British bases in Cyprus could be employed in support of such missions in that scenario as could the US base in Djibouti if the decision is made to intercept these vessels near the Bab el Mandeb chokepoint instead.

The UK isn't expected to unilaterally board Russian“shadow fleet” vessels escorted by the Russian navy so that would only happen with US approval. The UK might also seek American participation in any such mission as a guarantee that it won't be hung out to dry if Russia escalates. The US might not approve of that, let alone take part in it, since Putin likely authorized his navy to act against any forces that attempt to board escorted tankers and Trump doesn't seem interested in an escalation right now.