Dozens of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK in response to Russia's war in Ukraine have sailed through the English Channel this month despite defense officials vowing to take 'assertive action'.
Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has utilized a fleet of aging tankers with obscured ownership, known as the shadow fleet, to evade sanctions on its oil exports.
According to reports, the UK government received legal assurances earlier this month that such vessels could be detained; however, 42 sanctioned tankers tracked by BBC Verify have sailed through the English Channel since that advice was issued.
Among these vessels was the Sofos, a tanker sanctioned by the UK Foreign Office in May 2025. It was tracked through the Channel after traveling from Venezuela and is now situated near St Petersburg.
Ship-tracking data indicates that on several occasions, the Sofos had loaded oil in Russia before embarking on journeys where it would turn off its tracking signal.
The tankers identified highlight the ongoing challenge of monitoring sanctioned vessels, especially as Russia has reportedly adapted by ensuring some tankers are escorted by warships.
Despite the UK government’s commitment to tighten measures against the shadow fleet, so far, independent interceptions of these maritime operations have not occurred.
Voices from Parliament express disappointment over the lack of action, as experts indicate the importance of effectively enforcing maritime sanctions to support Ukraine. The ongoing dilemma illustrates the intricate battle between geopolitical maneuvering and maritime operations as the conflict in Ukraine endures.
