UK Reviews Legal Options to Redirect Seized Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Toward Ukraine Support
The United Kingdom is reportedly examining legal options to use oil seized from vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” to help fund military assistance for Ukraine, according to The Times, citing a UK government source.
Russia has relied on a network of aging tankers, commonly referred to as the shadow fleet,to bypass Western sanctions imposed on its energy sector following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. British officials are now assessing whether proceeds from sanctioned oil cargoes could be redirected away from Moscow and toward supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts.
According to the report, the proposal could have a dual effect: limiting financial flows to Russia’s military operations while identifying alternative funding mechanisms for Ukraine. However, officials stressed that the feasibility and legal framework for such a plan are still under review.
The Times further reported that the UK government has established a legal basis under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act, enabling enforcement actions against vessels suspected of sanctions violations. As part of broader monitoring efforts, British authorities are tracking several tankers believed to be operating within the shadow fleet.
Two UK-sanctioned oil tankers, Spring Fortune and Range Vale, are currently sailing toward the English Channel and were expected to enter the strait around midday on 14 January. Both vessels are reportedly operating under flags of convenience, including Cameroon and Zimbabwe.
Spring Fortune was sanctioned by the UK in May 2025 for activities considered to support or benefit the Russian government. The tanker has previously sailed under multiple names and flags, including Greece, Malta, Panama, the Marshall Islands, and others.
Range Vale, sanctioned in 2024, has been involved in exporting oil from Russian ports, particularly in the Baltic Sea. The vessel is linked to Radiating World Shipping Services, a UAE-based company reported to be among key operators associated with the shadow fleet. Like other vessels in the network, it has frequently changed names and flags.
In addition, reports indicate that NATO representatives in the UK are monitoring at least three other suspected Russian oil tankers currently crossing the Atlantic Ocean as part of ongoing maritime surveillance and sanctions enforcement.
