Russia Accuses UK, NATO of Shadow Fleet Plot

Russia's foreign intelligence service (SVR) has accused both the UK and NATO of plotting false flag attacks against Russia's 'shadow fleet,' a group of vessels used to bypass Western oil sanctions, in order to justify stricter restrictions and secondary sanctions. According to the SVR, Britain is planning ecological disasters or sabotage, possibly involving Ukrainian special forces, to frame Russia and escalate international responses. Experts and Western analysts suspect these claims may serve as a pretext for Russia to conduct its own false flag operations or to justify restricting maritime movement. The allegations arise amid a wider crackdown on Russian oil trading networks circumventing sanctions and as the US, under President Trump, threatens severe import duties on Russia and its partners if a cease-fire with Ukraine is not reached. Multiple mysterious explosions involving Russian tankers this year have fueled suspicion, with blame shifting between Russia and Ukraine and growing concerns about maritime security. The UK government has not responded to Russia's accusations.