Western analysts have found that Russia even provides escort for tankers in the English Channel
June 24, 2025
15:28
The "Guardian" frigate is reportedly providing escort for tankers transporting Russian oil in the English Channel. Photo.
Western analysts say that the Russian navy even provides escort for tankers transporting oil in the English Channel, but the actual situation remains unclear. Dozens of tankers cross the strait daily in both directions, transporting Russian oil, some of which are subject to sanctions.
According to Mark Douglas, a maritime situational analysis expert at New Zealand's Starboard Maritime Intelligence, he told All Exclusive (DW forwarded) that the Russian "Guardian" frigate provided escort for two tankers in the English Channel on June 16. He believes this is a recorded case because the actions of the tankers and escort vessels were synchronized. Mark Douglas pointed out that this shows the Russian navy publicly protects ships of the "shadow fleet." The involved tankers "Selva" and "Sierra" are both subject to EU and UK sanctions.
According to Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, these two tankers entered the Baltic Sea on June 24. "Selva" passed near Bornholm Island, Denmark, while "Sierra" sailed past the German coast, with a distance of 125 nautical miles between the two ships.
It is still unknown whether the information from New Zealand analysts is accurate, and it is currently also impossible to confirm whether Russian vessels were escorting the tankers or simply returning to the Baltic Fleet base.
In fact, dozens of tankers cross the English Channel daily, including those under sanctions. Around 14:00 on June 24, there were 12 tankers transporting Russian oil and petroleum products in the strait area, of which 9 were loaded and heading to Turkey and Asia, while the other 3 were returning to Russian ports, with their destination being Ust-Luga port.
Notably, 5 of the 12 tankers are subject to EU and UK sanctions, such as "Andromeda" and "Constellation."
Previously, the UK had called on EU countries to strengthen control over the English Channel to prevent Russia from exporting oil through the "shadow fleet." However, actual conflicts have already erupted in the Gulf of Finland — Estonia attempted to seize a tanker, but was prevented by the Russian Air Force. Subsequently, Finland claimed that Russian aircraft provided escort for tankers in the Gulf of Finland.
According to reports, the UK and EU have imposed sanctions on hundreds of tankers transporting Russian oil, but the effect has been limited. The most effective sanctions came from the United States, but after Donald Trump took office, the White House avoided introducing new restrictions.
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