UK threatens to seize Russia-linked shadow fleet tanker in escalatory move

The proposed action comes a month after US forces seized the Russian tanker Marinera (above) in the North Atlantic Photograph: Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images

The UK is threatening to seize a Russia-linked shadow fleet tanker in an escalatory move that could lead to the opening up of a new front against Moscow at a time when the country’s oil revenues are tumbling.

British defence sources confirmed that military options to capture a rogue ship had been identified in discussions involving Nato allies – though a month has gone by since the US-led seizure of a Russian tanker in the Atlantic.