A Russian frigate escorted two sanctioned tankers through the English Channel as a British support vessel followed behind, The Telegraph reported on April 8. The transit came weeks after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom would pursue Russia's "shadow fleet" more aggressively.

The vessels, the Universal and Enigma, are already sanctioned by the United Kingdom for their role in carrying Russian oil. Since January, more than 300 shadow fleet ships have reportedly passed through British waters, making any standing interdiction campaign impractical given the naval assets, boarding teams, intelligence support and port capacity that would be required. The issue is also unfolding as the United Kingdom faces competing naval demands tied to the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The United Kingdom has yet to seize a sanctioned Russian vessel.