London: The United Kingdom on Tuesday announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, intensifying efforts to curb Moscow’s oil trade amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The announcement came a day after an Indian ship captain was charged in connection with alleged breaches of Western sanctions aboard a Russian-linked vessel.
The accused, Ajay Pant (38), was arrested by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) during a joint operation with British armed forces in the English Channel. Authorities intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, identified as MV Smyrtos, over the weekend.
Pant has been charged with contravening Regulation 46Z9B of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. He is accused of directly or indirectly supplying or delivering prohibited Russian oil or petroleum products to a third country during June 2026.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Joanne Jakymec confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has decided to proceed with criminal charges following a detailed investigation by the NCA.
“Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings,” she said, adding that investigators worked closely with the NCA throughout the probe.
The Indian High Commission in London has reportedly sought consular access for Pant through the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and is awaiting a response from UK authorities. The vessel remains anchored off the coast of Dorset, with ongoing arrangements for the welfare of its 24-member crew, including Indian and Georgian nationals.
Meanwhile, the UK government unveiled additional sanctions targeting more than 20 oil tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. Officials said the measures are designed to disrupt Moscow’s “decrepit and ageing” maritime network used to bypass international restrictions.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the sanctions target “the vessels, the money and the actors propping up Russia’s war economy,” adding that the measures are aimed at weakening Russia’s capacity to sustain its war efforts.
The UK also expanded restrictions to include shipping insurers and service providers suspected of facilitating Russia’s oil exports. Officials said the action forms part of coordinated efforts with G7 allies to increase economic pressure on the Kremlin.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the sanctions strike at the core of Russia’s “covert financial and shipping networks,” adding that the UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine and countering attempts to evade international sanctions.
The UK further claimed it is the first G7 nation to sanction several newly acquired Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) vessels linked to Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project, which it says is generating revenue for Moscow despite existing restrictions.
