UK and Finland Tighten Security Ties as Britain Authorizes Shadow Fleet Interdictions

Overview

• Talks with Finland's President Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, which took place Thursday at the JEF summit, set plans to deepen ties across defence, trade and culture and to coordinate on regional security.
• Britain announced a policy that lets its forces stop and board suspected “shadow fleet” ships in British waters, including the Channel, to enforce sanctions on Russia.
• The leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine and said they would keep tightening pressure on Russia through further sanctions and action against sanction‑evading shipping.
• Both sides called for coordinated work with partners to help end the conflict in the Middle East and backed free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
• The Prime Minister outlined an aim for more constructive engagement with the European Union ahead of a planned UK–EU summit later this year.