Russia issues chilling warning to UK after Starmer’s decision – ‘let this be a surprise’ | World | News
The Russian ambassador to Britain warned his country would respond to attempts by UK authorities to seize vessels linked to the so-called shadow fleet, it has been reported. On Sunday, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported Andrei Kelin saying measures were being considered.
He said: “This decision will not go unanswered. The appropriate measures are being developed. Let this come as a surprise to the British people.” Mr Kelin also told London should “think carefully” about the consequences, including legal ones, of actions taken against Russian-linked vessels. On March 25, Downing Street announced the Prime Minister had agreed to UK Armed Forces and law enforcement officers interdicting and boarding vessels that have been sanctioned by the UK and are transiting through British waters.
This move aims to deal a blow to Vladimir Putin‘s “shadow fleet”. Russia has been accused of operating ships without a valid national flag to avoid sanctions on oil and help fund its unlawful invasion of Ukraine, launched in 2022.
Upon announcing the decision, Sir Keir said: “We are living in an increasingly volatile and dangerous world, facing threats from different fronts across the world every day. As Prime Minister, my first duty is to keep this country safe and protect British interests here and abroad.
“Putin is rubbing his hands at the war in the Middle East because he thinks higher oil prices will let him line his pockets. That’s why we’re going after his shadow fleet even harder, not just keeping Britain safe but starving Putin’s war machine of the dirty profits that fund his barbaric campaign in Ukraine. He and his cronies should be in no doubt, we will always defend our sovereignty and stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Mr Kelin’s warning comes after a prominent Russian propagandist had raged at this move by the UK against the shadow fleet.
During his radio programme, Vladimir Solovyov urged the Russian military to sink British ships. He said: “We should sink British ships that are trying to seize the ships acting in our interests. Sink them!
“If they try to do anything about it, sink those who try it. No one will understand our love of peace. I repeat it once again: we don’t need their love, we need their fear.”
During the same programme, he also argued in favour of a “devastating strike” against Europe.
