Moscow has strongly criticized the British government’s reported plan to detain Russian-linked commercial vessels in UK territorial waters, describing the move as a “deeply hostile step” and warning that it could trigger a response.
In a statement released Thursday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry accused London of escalating tensions despite previous assurances that it was not seeking confrontation. The ministry said Britain’s actions contradict its stated position and risk further destabilizing an already strained geopolitical environment.
“The British government has announced yet another deeply hostile step against Russia—its intention to seize commercial vessels associated with our country in British territorial waters,” the statement said.
The reaction follows an announcement by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorizing British military personnel to detain vessels that London identifies as part of what it calls Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The term is commonly used by Western governments to describe ships allegedly used to circumvent sanctions, particularly in the transport of Russian oil.
According to the UK government, vessels detained under the policy could face legal action, with potential criminal cases brought against owners, operators, and crew members found to be in violation of British sanctions laws. British authorities say they have already sanctioned more than 500 vessels believed to be linked to such activities.
Moscow, however, rejected the legitimacy of the policy, arguing that the sanctions are unilateral and amount to what it described as “acts of piracy.” The Foreign Ministry claimed that the measures are aimed at undermining Russia economically but warned that they could also have broader global consequences, particularly for countries dependent on energy supplies.
“Regardless of legal pretenses, Britain’s sanctions are unilateral acts of piracy aimed at harming Russia,” the ministry said, adding that such actions could ultimately impact nations in urgent need of energy resources.
The Russian government also expressed concern that the move could jeopardize maritime security. It warned that targeting commercial vessels could make navigation in British waters increasingly unsafe and set a dangerous precedent for international trade.
“Reckless statements about intentions to attack Russian commercial vessels directly indicate a desire to further inflame the already tense situation in the areas of security and international trade,” the statement added.
Moscow further alleged that the timing of the UK’s announcement raises questions about its involvement in broader regional developments, including recent attacks on Russian energy infrastructure. The Foreign Ministry suggested that Britain may be playing a more active role in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine than it publicly acknowledges, though it did not provide evidence to support the claim.
In its statement, Russia also referenced incidents in the Bryansk region, accusing Ukraine of using British-supplied weapons in strikes on civilian targets—an allegation that has been denied by Kyiv and its Western allies.
The Kremlin signaled that it is considering a range of responses to the UK’s actions. While it did not specify what measures might be taken, it indicated that both conventional and “asymmetric” options are under review.
“Such actions have consequences,” the ministry warned. “Russia will use all political, legal, and other instruments at its disposal, including asymmetric ones, to protect our interests.”
The dispute adds to mounting tensions between Russia and Western countries, particularly the United Kingdom, which has been among the most vocal supporters of Ukraine since the start of the conflict. London has imposed multiple rounds of sanctions targeting Russian individuals, companies, and sectors, including energy and shipping.
Analysts say the latest development could have implications for global shipping and energy markets, especially if it leads to disruptions in maritime routes or retaliatory actions by Moscow.
As the situation evolves, concerns are growing about the potential for further escalation, particularly in critical areas of international trade and security. Both sides have yet to indicate any willingness to de-escalate, raising the prospect of continued friction in the weeks ahead.
