Russia has threatened to rig its tankers with explosives and trigger devastating blasts if they are seized again by Britain.
One of Vladimir Putin’s close allies, Dmitry Rogozin, called on the Kremlin to arm its shadow fleet with explosives that could be detonated if intercepted by foreign forces.
The warning came after Royal Marines boarded the tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel earlier today.
Rogozin said: “We need to mine the tankers we use,” suggesting that explosives could be activated if a vessel is diverted from its route or forcibly taken to a foreign port.
He added that detonations resulting in oil spills and environmental damage would force other countries to reconsider such actions.
The former Russian NATO representative said the measures should be triggered either by direct orders or when a ship is intercepted.
His remarks have raised concerns over escalating maritime tensions and the risks posed to international shipping routes.
