The Kremlin said on Thursday that it would 'explore its legal options and use them to the maximum extent possible' if Russian crude from a tanker captured by Britain in this month was sold.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Britain could hold an auction to dispose of the 100,000 tonne Russian crude oil aboard the 'Smyrtos', a suspected Russian Shadow Fleet tanker intercepted 'in the Channel by British forces on June 14th.

The paper also added that the proceeds could be used to finance Ukraine.

On a conference phone, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: "There are definitely legal options to respond; they will examined and the situation will?analysed."

Peskov, who was asked to comment on the report, said that such options would be "utilised to the maximum extent possible" - against those who are making or will make decisions of this nature, as well as those who will buy it.

He added, "No one should doubt this." (Reporting and editing by Clarence Fernandez; Dmitry Antonov)

(source: Reuters)