Sanctioned Russian ship 'enters English Channel under false name' as tensions mount

Following its initial sanctioning, the ship was rechristened Tavian before adopting its current designation of Arcusat.

The tanker has also switched its registration to Cameroon in an apparent attempt to obscure its origins.

Its passage through British waters comes a day after US forces intercepted another Russian-linked vessel.

The US Coast Guard seized the Marinera, a Russian-flagged tanker carrying Venezuelan petroleum, on Wednesday following a fortnight-long operation conducted west of Britain.

The dramatic interception took place in Icelandic waters, with footage capturing the USCGC Munro pursuing the vessel, which had previously operated under the name Bella 1.

Royal Air Force aircraft participated in the mission, providing reconnaissance and potential support capabilities throughout the operation.

British military installations served as launching points for American aircraft involved in the seizure.

The Marinera had been bound for Moscow when it was intercepted, accused alongside another tanker called Sophia of circumventing sanctions on Venezuelan oil exports.

Speaking to MPs on Wednesday, John Healey declared: "By assisting our US allies in taking this ship off the seas, we are protecting the British people and our nation."

The Defence Secretary confirmed British personnel did not board the tanker during the operation.

However, he emphasised UK forces provided assistance "at the request of the US" throughout the mission.

The coordinated effort between Washington and London demonstrates the continued cooperation between the two nations in enforcing sanctions against Russian maritime activities.

No British troops were directly involved in the physical seizure of the vessel, with support limited to reconnaissance and logistical assistance.

The Arcusat departed from STAR Rafineri near Izmir, Turkey on December 30 and is believed to be travelling towards Moscow.

Russian officials have responded with severe warnings following the American seizure operation.

Alexander Kots, a veteran correspondent for the pro-Kremlin newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, warned on Telegram "nuclear war could be just one step away".

Alexei Zhuravlev, first deputy head of the State Duma's Defence Committee, stated Russian "military doctrine even envisages the use of nuclear weapons in response to such an attack".

Moscow's transport ministry condemned the seizure as a "violation of international law" and confirmed all communication with the Marinera had been lost.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter