Britain willing to do more after involvement in seizing Russian tanker

Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander said Britain is "absolutely willing" to increase support after UK involvement in a joint operation to seize the tanker Marinera; a separate tanker, the Arcusat, was reported transiting the English Channel and is linked to a wider 'ghost fleet'.

Britain has said it is willing to increase support for operations targeting so‑called "ghost fleet" tankers after involvement in the seizure of the Russian‑flagged Marinera. Cabinet minister Douglas Alexander described the UK as "absolutely willing" to do more following that intervention. Separately, a vessel called the Arcusat was reported passing through the English Channel and has been linked in reports to the wider shadow fleet that uses false identities and multiple flags. Key facts: - Douglas Alexander said Britain was "absolutely willing" to increase support after UK involvement in seizing the Marinera. - Reports describe the Marinera as having been intercepted in a joint US‑British operation, though detailed legal steps were not specified. - The Arcusat was sighted transiting the English Channel and is reported to have used false identities and different flags to evade authorities. - China publicly accused the US of "severe violations" of international law over recent seizures, and Moscow said the Marinera had temporary permission to sail under the Russian flag, according to reports. Summary: The UK has signalled a willingness to expand support for US‑led efforts against tankers linked to sanctioned crude shipments, describing those vessels as part of a shadow fleet that funds Russia's war effort. Undetermined at this time. International reactions have included public criticism from China and statements from Russia disputing the circumstances of the Marinera's voyage.