UK accused of failing to stop Russian shadow fleet vessels

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 26, 2026

A Russian-sanctioned diesel tanker, the Leruo, carrying 300,000 barrels of oil, was tracked passing near the UK’s Shetland coast en route to the U.S. Atlantic seaboard, raising concerns about the enforcement of UK sanctions on Russian energy exports. Critics argue that this journey highlights weaknesses in current sanctions enforcement, calling for stronger UK and U.S. actions to prevent Russian fossil fuels from funding the conflict in Ukraine.

The UK government faces criticism over its enforcement of sanctions on Russian oil exports as a sanctioned diesel tanker, the Leruo, was recently tracked off the coast of Shetland en route toward the Atlantic coast of the United States. The vessel, carrying approximately 300,000 barrels of oil from the Russian port of Primorsk, was added to the UK sanctions list in October 2025. It was designated because it “is, has been or is likely to be involved in activity whose object or effect is to destabilise Ukraine” by transporting oil products of Russian origin to third countries.

According to maritime tracking data, the Leruo passed east of Shetland through the northern North Sea in mid-October. Initially signaling Manaus, Brazil as its destination after departing Primorsk on October 17, the ship's current listed destination is “Atlantic Coast for order,” suggesting a flexible end point likely somewhere along North America’s eastern seaboard. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak recently confirmed that three Russian fuel tankers were headed toward that region.

The vessel’s movements have drawn scrutiny amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness and enforcement of sanctions targeting Russian energy exports. The oil sector data provider Kpler has been monitoring the vessel’s journey, noting the unusual routing and shifts in declared destinations.

Critics, including Svitlana Romanko, executive director of Ukrainian campaign group Razom We Stand, argue that transporting Russian fossil fuels enables continued military aggression. Romanko stated that each barrel carried by such ships funds weapons used in the conflict with Ukraine and called on both the UK and US governments to strengthen enforcement efforts. She urged the UK to intercept and inspect sanctioned vessels in its waters and called for the United States to revoke General License 135, which permits certain Russian diesel exports under a license issued during a deal between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. This license has been criticized for undermining sanctions intended to limit Russia’s energy revenues.

The US license was reportedly introduced to ease rising fuel prices ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and allowed some Russian diesel exports to continue despite broader sanctions.

The UK government has previously taken measures to reinforce sanctions enforcement. In March 2026, authorities announced they had authorised armed forces and law enforcement to intercept sanctioned vessels in UK waters. This action reportedly influenced Russian tankers to avoid the English Channel. In June, UK forces seized another sanctioned ship, the Smyrtos, after it sailed unflagged through British waters.

However, the recent passage of the Leruo within UK maritime zones has led some to question the consistency and effectiveness of these enforcement measures. UK officials have not publicly commented on the Leruo's recent movements or their assessment of related enforcement actions. The international community continues to watch closely how sanctions policies evolve amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Russia and Ukraine.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.