Despite UK warnings, Russian oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments continue using tankers subject to US, EU, and London sanctions. As Reuters reported on November 12, 2025, six such vessels transited the English Channel in the morning: two were carrying approximately 211 tonnes of oil, and four were returning to Baltic ports for more shipments.

The UK previously threatened to block sanctioned tankers, but its ability to do so is limited by international maritime law, even in the English Channel, allowing the vessels to continue transiting. Experts note that the situation will also persist with LNG carriers. According to The Independent, London plans to ban British companies from providing insurance and transportation services for Russian LNG, which has already been banned from import into the country since 2023, from 2026.

"The ban will stop the use of British services for the export of Russian LNG to third countries," - writes the edition.

British insurers dominate the global market, but Russian companies have found alternative providers, including Asian and Middle Eastern firms.