sferring surveillance to allied units in the north sea. The escort occurs amid escalating western sanctions enforcement targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, a network of older tankers used to transport Russian oil while bypassing sanctions linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In recent weeks, the French navy intercepted a sanctioned tanker in the mediterranean with UK forces providing tracking support. UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that monitoring suspect tankers is a priority to limit funding for Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine. British officials warned Moscow that all maritime activity near UK waters would be closely monitored. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns said the Royal Navy demonstrated readiness to track, deter and defend against any unwelcome maneuvers. The Kremlin condemned Western actions, describing attempts to seize or restrict Russian tankers as ‘piracy'. Russia warned it would safeguard commercial shipping interests, including deploying naval escorts, highlighting Moscow’s concern over international sanctions and the protection of oil exports. Experts note that this escort underscores the growing intersection of geopolitics, maritime security, and energy supply. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), commercial vessels enjoy the right of transit passage through international straits like the English Channel, limiting the legality of seizure without clear grounds. Yet, Western interdictions signal a firm stance to constrain Russia’s oil revenue, while the shadow fleet continues to serve as both a logistical network and a political symbol of Russia’s efforts to circumvent sanctions. As Western navies continue monitoring Russian shipping near Europe, the potential for escalation remains. London and allied nations aim to enforce sanctions, while Moscow asserts its maritime rights. Observers warn that future encounters in the English Channel or other key waterways could evolve beyond surveillance into more confrontational standoffs. Source: Reuters