Russian officials have warned of sinking Royal Navy warships after the UK authorized special forces to intercept and detain vessels from Moscow’s shadow fleet. These ships transport oil evading sanctions to support Russia’s war efforts, often passing through the English Channel.
Direct Warnings from Moscow
Russian TV host Vladimir Solovyov declared that Russia must counter what it labels as piracy by British forces. “Russia must take responsibility for combating piracy, and so will be forced to sink British Royal Navy ships involved in piracy and the hijacking of commercial vessels,” Solovyov stated. He added, “We must warn them that we will destroy them by all possible means, not by deploying our ships to the area. Aircraft and missiles may be used. But we are obliged to combat global piracy.”
Solovyov highlighted the Royal Navy’s reduced global presence, noting a destroyer off Cyprus and one of two aircraft carriers. “I wonder, after we sink the first two British ships, how many will they have left?” he remarked. Historian Andrey Sidorov responded, “First the Dragon, then the Prince of Wales, and that’s it.” Solovyov concluded, “That’s the point, not many, right? So, Britain doesn’t rule the seas anymore. Relax, your time is up.”
UK’s Intercept Authorization
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that special forces can now stop, board, and detain shadow fleet vessels. Many of these ships are old, uninsured, and questionably seaworthy. Following the announcement, several have altered course to avoid the English Channel, opting for waters controlled by Ireland.
Ukrainian Strikes Escalate Tensions
The Russian warnings coincide with intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on key Russian sites. A four-hour barrage targeted Taganrog port in the Azov Sea, home to the Beriev Aircraft Company, which produces and maintains A-50U early-warning aircraft. An emergency was declared in the Rostov region city, resulting in one death, damage to homes and a school, and evacuations near the strike zone.
Other strikes hit a metallurgical plant in Alchevsk, in Russian-controlled Luhansk, and the KuybyshevAzot chemical facility in Togliatti for the second time this month. The major oil export terminal at Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region continues to burn after five days of attacks, significantly impairing Russia’s oil revenue for funding its military operations.
