Russian Warships & Convoy in the English Channel Exposes Weakness in UK Sanctions

[Social Media]

 

A convoy of Russian vessels, including a sanctioned cargo ship known for transporting North Korean munitions, has sailed through the English Channel in what analysts describe as a direct challenge to the UK’s sanctions regime. The Times, aboard a fishing vessel, tracked the Maia-1 as it followed a fleet of four other ships escorted by Russian warships.

 

 

The Maia-1, sanctioned for carrying artillery shells from North Korea to Russia, was seen just hours behind Sparta IV and Siyanie Severa, two ships believed to be transporting military hardware from Syria to Russia. The convoy was heavily protected by the Severomorsk, a Russian destroyer, and the Alexandr Shabalin, a navy landing ship.

 

 

The Times intercepted Maia-1 about 30 miles off Brighton as it made its way toward Dover. The ship was photographed carrying cargo components, partially hidden under tarpaulins, likely intended for a Russian liquefied natural gas terminal—another project subject to UK sanctions. This convoy is one of the largest Russian naval movements through British and French waters since the start of the war in Ukraine and marks the first time a gunrunner linked to North Korea’s arms trade has sailed through the Channel.

 

 

Maia-1 is among more than 20 ships owned by a sanctioned company targeted by the UK, EU, and US. The British Ministry of Defence has previously named the vessel in a UN submission as one of the primary transporters of weapons from North Korea to Russia. The 138-meter-long ship has spent years moving munitions between North Korea and Vladivostok, with satellite images showing it delivering dozens of shipments to support Russian forces in Ukraine.

 

 

For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Maia-1 departed the Pacific in January carrying cargo bound for St. Petersburg. The ship’s lengthy journey, which included stops in China, passage through Egypt’s Suez Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar before reaching the Channel, highlights the growing challenge to European sanctions. Maritime analysts say its ability to operate freely exposes the limitations of Western nations in disrupting Russian logistics.

The Admiral Vladimirsky ship is officially classed as an oceanographic research vessel, but it is registered under the umbrella of the Russian Navy.

The ship has long been suspected of conducting covert surveillance for the Russian military. https://t.co/2ujXgnJTqR pic.twitter.com/HiAezBR5ZX

— Sky News (@SkyNews) March 19, 2025

 

Hamish Macdonald, a senior analyst at the Open Source Centre, has been tracking Maia-1 for years. He stated that the ship is owned by a sanctioned company and is violating UN Security Council resolutions—resolutions that Russia itself voted for. “Despite this, the vessel appears to have been able to dock in China and likely load cargo, receive permissions for port entry in Vietnam, traverse the Suez Canal, dock and likely refuel in Algeria, and sail through the English Channel without issue. If a vessel such as this is able to access ports and services globally with impunity, then that represents a major challenge to western sanctions regimes,” he said.

 

Sparta IV and Siyanie Severa, which also passed through the Channel on Monday, are believed to be carrying military hardware evacuated from Syria following the decline of Assad’s regime. Their escort, the 534-foot-long Severomorsk, is a formidable warship armed with anti-aircraft and naval cannons, 72 anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles, and 44 anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets. With a crew of 300 and the capability to deploy two Ka-27 military helicopters, it represents a significant show of force. The Aleksandr Shabalin, a 369-foot-long landing craft, was also deployed alongside the convoy, carrying up to 500 tons of armored vehicles and 225 marines.

 

The Royal Navy and RAF closely monitored the convoy as it entered British waters near Folkestone and Dover. HMS Somerset, a Type 23 frigate, and HMS Cattistock, a minehunter, were deployed alongside RFA Tidesurge and naval helicopters to shadow the Russian vessels. A Belgian naval vessel, BNS Castor, also joined the operation. The RAF stated that it “responds swiftly to maritime threats to maintain national security.”

 

A Royal Navy spokesperson emphasized the coordinated effort to track the convoy as it moved eastward through the North Sea toward the Baltic. “As the Russian ships sailed east through the Channel and the North Sea towards the Baltic Sea, the Royal Navy ships deployed powerful sensors and launched the Merlin and Wildcat helicopters to report on every move,” they said.

 

Luke Pollard, the Armed Forces Minister, issued a stern warning to Russia. “Russia should be in no doubt that the UK will defend our waters. I’m grateful to all the personnel who shadowed this Russian convoy. National security is a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change and ensuring freedom of navigation contributes to our economy.”

 

Based on a report by The Times  2025-03-22

 

 

[newbee2022]

1 hour ago, Social Media said:

 

A convoy of Russian vessels, including a sanctioned cargo ship known for transporting North Korean munitions, has sailed through the English Channel in what analysts describe as a direct challenge to the UK’s sanctions regime. The Times, aboard a fishing vessel, tracked the Maia-1 as it followed a fleet of four other ships escorted by Russian warships.

 

 

The Maia-1, sanctioned for carrying artillery shells from North Korea to Russia, was seen just hours behind Sparta IV and Siyanie Severa, two ships believed to be transporting military hardware from Syria to Russia. The convoy was heavily protected by the Severomorsk, a Russian destroyer, and the Alexandr Shabalin, a navy landing ship.

 

 

The Times intercepted Maia-1 about 30 miles off Brighton as it made its way toward Dover. The ship was photographed carrying cargo components, partially hidden under tarpaulins, likely intended for a Russian liquefied natural gas terminal—another project subject to UK sanctions. This convoy is one of the largest Russian naval movements through British and French waters since the start of the war in Ukraine and marks the first time a gunrunner linked to North Korea’s arms trade has sailed through the Channel.

 

 

Maia-1 is among more than 20 ships owned by a sanctioned company targeted by the UK, EU, and US. The British Ministry of Defence has previously named the vessel in a UN submission as one of the primary transporters of weapons from North Korea to Russia. The 138-meter-long ship has spent years moving munitions between North Korea and Vladivostok, with satellite images showing it delivering dozens of shipments to support Russian forces in Ukraine.

 

 

For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Maia-1 departed the Pacific in January carrying cargo bound for St. Petersburg. The ship’s lengthy journey, which included stops in China, passage through Egypt’s Suez Canal and the Strait of Gibraltar before reaching the Channel, highlights the growing challenge to European sanctions. Maritime analysts say its ability to operate freely exposes the limitations of Western nations in disrupting Russian logistics.

 

Hamish Macdonald, a senior analyst at the Open Source Centre, has been tracking Maia-1 for years. He stated that the ship is owned by a sanctioned company and is violating UN Security Council resolutions—resolutions that Russia itself voted for. “Despite this, the vessel appears to have been able to dock in China and likely load cargo, receive permissions for port entry in Vietnam, traverse the Suez Canal, dock and likely refuel in Algeria, and sail through the English Channel without issue. If a vessel such as this is able to access ports and services globally with impunity, then that represents a major challenge to western sanctions regimes,” he said.

 

Sparta IV and Siyanie Severa, which also passed through the Channel on Monday, are believed to be carrying military hardware evacuated from Syria following the decline of Assad’s regime. Their escort, the 534-foot-long Severomorsk, is a formidable warship armed with anti-aircraft and naval cannons, 72 anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles, and 44 anti-submarine torpedoes and rockets. With a crew of 300 and the capability to deploy two Ka-27 military helicopters, it represents a significant show of force. The Aleksandr Shabalin, a 369-foot-long landing craft, was also deployed alongside the convoy, carrying up to 500 tons of armored vehicles and 225 marines.

 

The Royal Navy and RAF closely monitored the convoy as it entered British waters near Folkestone and Dover. HMS Somerset, a Type 23 frigate, and HMS Cattistock, a minehunter, were deployed alongside RFA Tidesurge and naval helicopters to shadow the Russian vessels. A Belgian naval vessel, BNS Castor, also joined the operation. The RAF stated that it “responds swiftly to maritime threats to maintain national security.”

 

A Royal Navy spokesperson emphasized the coordinated effort to track the convoy as it moved eastward through the North Sea toward the Baltic. “As the Russian ships sailed east through the Channel and the North Sea towards the Baltic Sea, the Royal Navy ships deployed powerful sensors and launched the Merlin and Wildcat helicopters to report on every move,” they said.

 

Luke Pollard, the Armed Forces Minister, issued a stern warning to Russia. “Russia should be in no doubt that the UK will defend our waters. I’m grateful to all the personnel who shadowed this Russian convoy. National security is a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change and ensuring freedom of navigation contributes to our economy.”

 

Based on a report by The Times  2025-03-22

 

 

Sanctions against Russia were implemented as a confession of helplessness. Subsequently they didn't work.

Peace with Russia - including Proxy wars - is the most important guarantee for economic growth and social stability.

Open the European door and let them part of Europe as it was centuries ago.

Don't follow the US mantra to claim Russia as an enemy.🙏

[RayC]

2 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Sanctions against Russia were implemented as a confession of helplessness. Subsequently they didn't work.

Peace with Russia - including Proxy wars - is the most important guarantee for economic growth and social stability.

Open the European door and let them part of Europe as it was centuries ago.

Don't follow the US mantra to claim Russia as an enemy.🙏

 

Russia has a strange way of asking for acceptable by the wider European community.

[NickyLouie]

Does Pakistan even have a navy ?

 

[Kinok Farang]

Wonder if they could intercept the dinghys if they have a spare half-hour or so?

The Royal Navy are too busy policing other countries waters.

[transam]

1 hour ago, RayC said:

 

Russia has a strange way of asking for acceptable by the wider European community.

Well said, Raymond............

[Watawattana]

26 minutes ago, NickyLouie said:

Does Pakistan even have a navy ?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_Navy

[transam]

3 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Sanctions against Russia were implemented as a confession of helplessness. Subsequently they didn't work.

Peace with Russia - including Proxy wars - is the most important guarantee for economic growth and social stability.

Open the European door and let them part of Europe as it was centuries ago.

Don't follow the US mantra to claim Russia as an enemy.🙏

Whilst they blitzkrieg a neighbour for nothing..........🙄

 

 

 

 

 

[newbee2022]

49 minutes ago, transam said:

Whilst they blitzkrieg a neighbour for nothing..........🙄

 

 

 

 

 

Well, if you did a bit into history you'll realize that those people with the "blitzkrieg" are now living in a highly recommended democracy. And if the pipeline wouldn't have been destroyed by "friends" they would be a serious competitor to US

[transam]

3 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Well, if you did a bit into history you'll realize that those people with the "blitzkrieg" are now living in a highly recommended democracy. And if the pipeline wouldn't have been destroyed by "friends" they would be a serious competitor to US

I don't need a history lesson, but you have dodged my point, you want the doors to open to Russia whilst at the same time they are killing civilians in Ukraine..........🙄

 

Plus, in your "centuries" Russia invaded Finland in 1939....🙄

 

I need a history lesson........?  😂

[newbee2022]

1 minute ago, transam said:

I don't need a history lesson, but you have dodged my point, you want the doors to open to Russia whilst at the same time they are killing civilians in Ukraine..........🙄

 

Plus, in your "centuries" Russia invaded Finland in 1939....🙄

 

I need a history lesson........?  😂

Yes, you need a lesson in reading and understanding.

Did I mention better relations to Russia during the present war? No.

Did I mention the last year's? No.

You picked some words to build your own agenda.

Discussions are working different.

Probably something you have to learn too.

[nakhonandy]

1 hour ago, Kinok Farang said:

Wonder if they could intercept the dinghys if they have a spare half-hour or so?

The Royal Navy are too busy policing other countries waters.

As much as I'm sick of the crossings, what can the navy do?

Blow the dinghies out of the water?

[transam]

Just now, newbee2022 said:

Yes, you need a lesson in reading and understanding.

Did I mention better relations to Russia during the present war? No.

Did I mention the last year's? No.

You picked some words to build your own agenda.

Discussions are working different.

Probably something you have to learn too.

Nice diversion, but no cigar..............🤔

[nakhonandy]

Sanctions were mainly economic. Look at the Russian economy, it's in a terrible mess.

Hence the sanctions are working.

Putin doesn't want war with Europe,  he's hoping his buddy, the world's worst negotiator, will get him out of Ukraine with enough concessions for him to save face at home.

[newbee2022]

2 hours ago, RayC said:

 

Russia has a strange way of asking for acceptable by the wider European community.

No, Russia asked to be member of Nato even. But US said no, because they need an enemy all time.

[transam]

Just now, newbee2022 said:

No, Russia asked to be member of Nato even. But US said no, because they need an enemy all time.

That is a daft post...................

[John Drake]

I realize we're referring to that body of water as the English Channel, here. But isn't there another country that borders the channel? Wouldn't that mean the Russians are challenging the French, too? Why not mention their perceived weak response as well?

[cowellandrew]

3 hours ago, NickyLouie said:

Does Pakistan even have a navy ?

 

Yes it's got our navy!

HMS Ambuscade 

[SunnyinBangrak]

6 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

 

Open the European door and let them part of Europe as it was centuries ago.

Don't follow the US mantra to claim Russia as an enemy.🙏

Correction pls. It is the American left which claims Russia is an enemy, this started after they needed a scapegoat for HRC's thumping at the ballot box. After many years of false narratives and hoaxes by their msm about 40% harbor irrational hatred for Russia although they could not articulate why using fact.

The rest of Americans see them as a fellow Christian causasian capitalist country no more no less.

[RayC]

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

No, Russia asked to be member of Nato even. But US said no, because they need an enemy all time.

 

That in no way excuses Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

 

A lot has changed, especially Putin's attitude since that verbal application.

 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/04/ex-nato-head-says-putin-wanted-to-join-alliance-early-on-in-his-rule

[newbee2022]

22 minutes ago, RayC said:

That in no way excuses Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Did I say this? No.

[RayC]

20 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Did I say this? No.

 

But you did say that Europe should open the door to Russia which would almost certainly be viewed as a vindication of its' actions by Moscow.

[BexMan]

It wouldn’t come as a total surprise if the Maia-1 has an unexplained engine room fire at some later date.