The United Kingdom is considering plans to use oil seized from vessels belonging to Russia's shadow fleet to finance military support for Ukraine. The Times reported on Tuesday that British special forces are being lined up to storm Russian shadow fleet vessels in a move designed to pressure the Russian economy. Two shadow fleet vessels sanctioned by the UK – Spring Fortune and Range Vale – are heading towards the English Channel and are expected to enter the strait around midday on 14 January. Range Vale is involved in exporting oil from Russian ports, particularly in the Baltic Sea, and was placed under UK sanctions in 2024. Reports say NATO representatives in the UK are monitoring at least three other suspected Russian oil tankers crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Source: The Times January 14, 2026 11:35 UTC