The UK government has defended the seizure of a tanker described as part of a shadow fleet, saying its actions against such vessels are being carried out in accordance with the law.
The statement came after a threat from Putin, although no further detail on the nature of that threat was set out in the supplied material. The government said it was “disrupting and deterring shadow fleet vessels” and maintained that its approach was lawful.
The vessel at the centre of the dispute has been identified only as a shadow fleet tanker. No additional details were provided about where the seizure took place, when it occurred, the tanker’s ownership, its cargo, or the specific legal powers used.
The government’s response places the emphasis on legality and enforcement, presenting the action as part of wider efforts to prevent or discourage the operation of vessels described as belonging to a shadow fleet.
The latest stated position is that the UK is standing by the seizure and its wider actions against shadow fleet vessels. Further information on the tanker, the legal basis for the operation and any subsequent response from Putin or other parties has not been provided in the source material.
