In the time between Starmer’s words in March and the seizure last month, more than 200 shadow fleet tankers accused of fuelling Moscow’s war in Ukraine sailed through UK waters, often escorted by Russian warships within 30 miles of the British coast.
A hulking 122m floating Kremlin workshop has been supporting a Russian armed warship, the RFN Admiral Grigorovich, with supplies and fuel while it loiters around the Galloper wind farm, off the coast of Suffolk.
Since the interdiction of the Smyrtos, at least 19 sanctioned shadow fleet vessels have traversed UK waters, according to data provided by Starboard Maritime Intelligence.
The Graceful is the second luxury yacht linked to Putin to find refuge away from Europe. Last month the Victoria, a 71m luxury vessel, fled from Russia’s Krasnodar Krai in the Black Sea and headed for the Turkish holiday destination of Bodrum.
Maritime documents show the owner of the Victoria is a corporation linking back to Gennady Timchenko, a well-reported associate and friend of the Russian president.
However, an investigation by independent Russian outlet Dossier Centre revealed the ship was being used by members of Putin’s inner circle.
Nato Maritime Command has been approached for comment.