Russian Squadron And Putin's 'shadow Fleet' Flee The Mediterranean Sea
- 30.01.2026, 13:38
Britain has taken effective action.
The British Royal Navy intercepted a Russian military corvette and tanker "General Skobelev", which were escorting each other while passing through the English Channel. The incident was another episode in a series of operations in which London tracks the movements of Russian warships and vessels of the so-called "shadow fleet," writes The National Interest (translated by Charter97.org).
According to the British Defense Ministry, patrol ships HMS Mersey and HMS Severn, supported by an AW-159 Wildcat helicopter, went out to intercept Russian vessels returning from a long-range mission in the Mediterranean Sea. The Wildcat, equipped with advanced sensors and anti-ship weapons, provided reconnaissance and situational awareness, giving the British group a constant picture of the Russian ships' activities.
The commander of HMS Mersey, Lieutenant Commander Lieutenant Commander Dan Wardle, said the operation was further confirmation of the Royal Navy's readiness to defend the country's interests at sea. He also emphasized the importance of engagement with HMS Severn and NATO partners.
The Russian vessels were under NATO surveillance throughout the crossing.
British Armed Forces Minister Al Carnes said allies continue to monitor Russian naval activity. "Every time a Russian ship approaches our waters, the navy stands ready to monitor, deter and defend. We are making it clear to Putin that we know what his navy is doing."
With the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin continues to use a network of "shadow" tankers carrying sanctions cargo, including to circumvent restrictions against Venezuela. Many such vessels do not formally fly the Russian flag, making interference more difficult. In this case, however, the tanker was Russian-flagged and escorted by a warship, eliminating any attempt to detain it.
Despite frequent interceptions and seizures, Moscow continues to rely on its "shadow fleet" to transport sanctions cargo around the world.