The UK has confirmed it provided military support to a US operation that seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, amid allegations the vessel was involved in sanctions-busting oil shipments.
The Ministry of Defence said British forces assisted the operation with air surveillance and a Royal Navy ship as the US Coast Guard boarded the tanker, now known as Marinera. The vessel is accused by Washington of violating US sanctions and previously transporting Venezuelan crude oil.
US authorities said the seizure was part of a wider crackdown on so-called ghost fleet tankers used to evade international sanctions. A second vessel was also boarded in the Caribbean during the same operation.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the crew of the Marinera could be taken to the United States for prosecution if required. Russia, however, warned the US against preventing the crew from returning home.
Moscow has disputed the legality of the seizure, claiming the ship was only temporarily flagged to Russia and insisting that no country has the right to use force against properly registered vessels. Russian officials said the tanker had been granted permission to sail under the Russian flag late last year.
Maritime experts note that the ship changed its flag during its voyage, a move that can render a vessel stateless under international law if proper procedures are not followed.
This, they say, may have allowed US authorities to legally board it.
The UK’s involvement underscores its continued cooperation with the US on maritime security and sanctions enforcement.
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