Swinney backs motion in opposition to Russia after use of Scottish air bases throughout tanker operations

First Minister John Swinney has backed motion to impose sanctions in opposition to Russia following the US seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker within the North Atlantic.

The Marinera, a ship accused of being a part of Vladimir Putin's “shadow fleet”, was stopped by the US Coast Guard a number of hundred miles off the Scottish coast.

It is known that army plane landed at Benbecula Airport within the Western Isles and Vic John O'Groats Airport within the Highlands throughout the operation, which was supported by British forces.

Swinney stated he didn’t know the small print of the seizure, however he supported the motion to impose sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

The White House has accused Marinera of breaking sanctions imposed on Iranian oil. It stated the ship had been making an attempt to evade the US Coast Guard for a number of weeks, and stated the authority to seize it had been granted by a US court docket.

The Defense Ministry stated the ship was headed in the direction of Russia and supported the motion in opposition to “sanctions busting” exercise, including that the seizure was in compliance with worldwide legislation.

Speaking to reporters after First Minister's Questions, Swinney reiterated that the army motion was managed by the UK Government, and he was not briefed in regards to the operation.

He stated: “If this is a measure to enforce agreed sanctions that were preventing the use of this tanker, I support that action.

“Because where sanctions have been imposed in Ukraine to deal with unacceptable illegal behavior by a state like Russia, I think those sanctions should be enforced.”

BBC Scotland understands that at least three US Air Force planes took off from RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk and landed at Vic John O'Groats Airport at around 11:00 on Wednesday, before departing around noon.

US Navy aircraft also flew over Benbecula Airport on Wednesday.

Swinney said he had “no information” to suggest that military aircraft landing at Scottish airports were used in the seizures.

“I believe in international cooperation,” the First Minister said.

“So I accept that these arrangements must be in place for practical purposes, but I insist that I have no knowledge of whether there is any connection between the arrival of those aircraft and the events of yesterday.”

The First Minister highlighted that arrangements for planes to land in Vic were made last month.

Swinney said he had raised with the UK Government “the need for understanding and awareness of issues of this nature which may have an impact and impact on Scotland”.

The Scottish Greens have accused the US government of “piracy at sea”, describing Donald Trump's administration as “acting like a rogue state”.

But Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander told bbc radio scotland breakfast The ship was designated a stateless ship under international law.

“The ship is part of the shadow fleet that finances Russia's war efforts in Ukraine,” the minister said.

“As the UK Government and the United Kingdom, our national interest is best served by avoiding the illicit promotion of terrorism, conflict and suffering, whether in Ukraine, the Middle East or elsewhere.

“So when the United States asked us to provide operations support, including aerial surveillance support, we were more than ready to step in.

“I think it is right and appropriate that we join with our allies to counter the sanctions efforts that we are seeing from the Russians on a regular basis.”

All British army operations are managed by the UK Government.

Both Benbecula and Wick airports are civilian websites operated by the government-owned Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.

The UK Ministry of Defense (MOD) stated Royal Navy tankers RFA Tideforce and RAF surveillance plane supported the US operation.

A second tanker, the Sophia, additionally sank close to the Caribbean on Wednesday.

The US stated each ships have been “either last seen off Venezuela or en route”.

Torquil Crichton, Labor MP for Na h-Eilean an Iar (Western Isles), stated: “This was another shock and awe for President Trump and the United States, but it is no surprise because there is a huge fleet of these illegal tankers going between Iran, Russia and Venezuela.

“The transatlantic crossing funds Iran, which in turn funds Russia to bomb civilian populations in Ukraine and send drones.

“There is a circle between these rogue tankers in the Atlantic and the eastern frontline in Donbass.

“We now have a front line – that is the wild Atlantic west of the Western Isles.”

Scotland's north coast has been described by an MP because the entrance line within the struggle in opposition to Russia.

This description could appear unlikely – however when the US, with Britain's assist, seized a Russian-flagged tanker within the Atlantic, the Ukraine struggle really got here very near home battle.

Despite having no prior information of the mission – Holyrood ministers say they’ve heard about it from the media – the Scottish Government broadly helps the motion.

The root of that assist? Ministers' sturdy assist for Ukraine.

Defense Secretary John Healey stated the shadow fleet – understood to be a part of the tankers – is “crucial to Putin's ongoing illegal offensive”.

It is due to this fact not stunning that the Edinburgh authorities considers confiscation to be the proper plan of action.

Although Ministers might dispute the dearth of communication, no challenge is raised over the usage of Scottish airbases or airports – I’m advised that is normal working process.

Indeed, as a senior SNP determine reveals, there’s a view that the US and UK may go additional, cracking down on many extra shadow fleet vessels getting used to breach sanctions.