The number of Russian oil tankers passing through the English Channel has almost doubled since London sanctioned Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine.

Tanker voyages past the strategically vital Port of Dover increased by 90 per cent after the February 2022 invasion, data analysis by The Telegraph revealed.

Each one of these ships is thought to carry hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil, worth tens of millions of pounds to Vladimir Putin’s regime.

Oil is a key asset used to fund Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Priti Patel, the Conservative shadow foreign secretary, last night said: “It is discomforting to see this increase in Russian shipping in the Channel.

“In government, the Conservatives took decisive action in introducing a world-leading sanctions regime, but it is clear that there is more work to be done.

“The ongoing reliance of many European countries on Russian oil and gas is another example of how we and our allies need to get serious about our energy policies and our defence.”