Russian warship ‘passed through English Channel in disguise’
- On June 20, the Russian Steregushchy-class corvette Boikiy entered the English Channel disguised with a fake AIS identity, sailing with two UK- and EU-sanctioned shadow fleet tankers toward Russian ports.
- This event follows Russia's increased escorting of shadow fleet tankers misreporting flags and destinations to evade Western sanctions amid growing EU and Baltic enforcement efforts.
- BBC Verify established Boikiy’s route by analyzing satellite photos, vessel tracking information, and footage capturing its synchronized movement alongside the tankers Selva and Sierra , both connected to companies based in Dubai.
- Maritime analyst Mark Douglas called the move "a major step in sanctions evasion," while experts say Russia’s naval escort aims to deter UK and NATO attempts to board or seize these vessels.
- The operation demonstrates Russia’s use of naval forces to shield the shadow fleet, increasing the potential for confrontation and challenging Western commitment to enforcing sanctions.
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On Saturday, 21 June, a Russian Steregushchiy-class corvette crossed the Channel escorting two ships from the Russian phantom fleet. Passed close to France and the United Kingdom, she reportedly sent a false identification system.
The corvette Boykiy was escorting two tankers towards the Baltic Sea.
The ship, a corvette named Boikiy, was transmitting a code belonging to another ship, misleading ship tracking platforms.
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Total News Sources26
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Right
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Right
40% Right
L 30%
C 30%
R 40%
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