Key facts
- A Russian oil tanker captain was charged with sanctions violations.
- The tanker was intercepted by UK armed forces in the English Channel.
- The captain's name is Ajay Pant.
- The vessel remains held off the coast.
- A Russian frigate fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht.
- The incident with the yacht occurred south of the Isle of Wight.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the frigate's actions 'reckless'.
- The incident with the yacht occurred outside UK territorial waters.
- The British Ministry of Defence is investigating the frigate incident.
- The yacht was described as navigating a 'dangerous course'.
The captain of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker has been charged with contravening sanctions by UK authorities following the vessel's interception in the English Channel. The captain, identified as Ajay Pant, is scheduled to appear in court, while the tanker remains held off the UK coast. This incident follows a separate event where a Russian frigate reportedly fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht south of the Isle of Wight. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer characterized the frigate's actions as 'reckless' and 'deeply concerning.' The British Ministry of Defence is investigating the incident, which took place outside of UK territorial waters. Reports indicate the yacht was navigating a 'dangerous course' at the time of the encounter with the Russian warship.