Russian Tanker Slips Past UK Waters, Despite Sanctions

0:00It's March 27th. This is Global News Today, your AI-powered source for world news. A sanctioned Russian oil tanker slipped through the English channel into UK waters just one day after ministers announced that armed forces could. Board such vessels. The VU-1 came within six nautical miles of Dover on March 26th, according to tracking data, despite carrying a full load of oil from Russia. The ship left the Russian port of Mermonsk on March 10th, and first hit UK waters around 1239 GMT, that same day. UK officials added it to their sanctions list, back in May of last year, for helping ship Russian oil to other countries, which they say supports. Russia's government and undermines Ukraine. This move highlights the UK's growing efforts to target Russia's tactics for dodging oil export bans that fund the war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Kierstharmer called it a way to hit Putin harder, especially with global oil prices rising.

1:00The Ministry of Defense confirmed they consider enforcement on a case-by-case basis, and won't give updates that might tip off targets. They noted the ship's been over five hours in territorial waters, up to 12 nautical miles offshore, and nearly a full day farther out in the economic zone. Experts say the Royal Navy has trained teams ready to board by boat or helicopter if conditions allow, with strong surveillance already in place. For now, the tanker was last tracked 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth, and officials are keeping a close eye on these routes.