In brief
Kremlin aide Nikolay Patrushev claimed the United Kingdom and NATO are preparing sabotage against Russian diesel tankers, according to TASS. The claim is echoed by Vietnamese outlet La Động and an English-language piece on Ground.news, but there is no independent confirmation. Patrushev said the sabotage could target the Russia‑US diesel fuel deal that Moscow opposed.
Kremlin aide Nikolay Patrushev alleged, via TASS on April 7, 2027, that Britain and NATO are planning sabotage missions against vessels carrying Russian diesel as a response to a proposed Russia‑US diesel fuel deal. According to the Russian state‑run agency, Patrushev – Chairman of the Russian Maritime Board – warned that the UK “can expect the most outrageous and skillfully organized provocations” from Britain, and that sabotage of tankers is already being prepared within British and NATO headquarters.
Patrushev’s statements were also reported by Vietnamese news outlet La Động and by the independent site Ground.news, both of which reproduced the Kremlin aide’s claims without additional corroboration. The outlets noted that Moscow is closely monitoring the risks and criticized Europeans for being trapped by sanctions and Russophobia.
The Russian press highlighted that the alleged sabotage concerns a Russia‑US diesel supply deal that the Kremlin opposed, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump discussed petroleum supplies during a phone call on October 9, where Moscow reiterated its readiness to supply oil and petroleum products to the United States and global markets.
Patrushev’s Broader Claims
Patrushev said the United Kingdom and NATO “are already preparing acts of sabotage” against vessels that carry Russian diesel. He also noted that Russia will lift its ban on diesel exports ahead of schedule, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
"Today, we can expect the most outrageous and skillfully organized provocations from the UK," said Patrushev in an interview with Rossiiskaya Gazeta.
"I have no doubt that sabotage against tankers carrying Russian diesel is already being prepared in British and NATO headquarters," Patrushev added.
No independent verification of the sabotage plans has yet emerged, and foreign policy experts have urged caution in interpreting the claims until further evidence is released.
