The UK has confirmed it played a support role in a US operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic, amid growing scrutiny of sanctions enforcement linked to Russia and Venezuela.
The vessel, named Marinera, was intercepted and taken under US control after being tracked across the Atlantic. US authorities said the seizure was connected to sanctions violations, while Russia protested the action and criticised Western involvement.
UK officials said British support was limited to pre-planned assistance, including access to facilities and coordination, and stressed that the operation itself was led by the United States. They said the UK’s role was consistent with existing cooperation agreements with allies and did not involve boarding the ship.
The incident has highlighted increased Western focus on so-called “shadow fleets” of tankers used to move oil while attempting to evade sanctions. Analysts say such operations are likely to remain a feature of wider efforts to enforce restrictions on Russian-linked energy trade.
The seizure comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with Moscow warning that such actions could escalate disputes at sea, while Western governments argue they are acting within international law to uphold sanctions regimes.
