British navy intercepts shadow fleet vessel
British forces have intercepted an oil tanker in the English Channel that appears to belong to Russia's shadow fleet. Russia uses the vessels to evade Western sanctions and generate revenues from oil shipments which are then used to fund the war against Ukraine. The British media praise the move, not only for its impact on Russia.
Clear signals at last
The British forces should have cracked down sooner and harder, says The Daily Telegraph:
“Seizures like this are as much about psychology as they are about asset denial: 'We can see you and if you break our laws we will act, decisively'. It's also why we should have been doing it months ago. ... The hope now must be that it marks the start of a steady rhythm of operations rather than a one-off political gesture.”
A much-needed morale boost
The Times welcomes the operation:
“In an age when the UK's naval capabilities have become something like a national embarrassment - witnessed at the outbreak of the Iran war when the UK had to call on allies' navies to help defend an RAF base in Cyprus - this operation is a useful reminder of the bravery and abilities of our armed forces. ... The footage released by the government is proof of what can be achieved when troops have due backing and resources from Whitehall. It is a much-needed morale boost. ... This operation is a timely reminder of why proper funding is essential.”