UK forces have captured a tanker in the English Channel belonging to the Russian shadow fleet
UK forces have successfully intercepted and detained the Russian-linked tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel following a six-hour operation.
British armed forces have intercepted and detained a tanker linked to the Russian shadow fleet in the English Channel, according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The vessel, known as Smyrtos, was boarded in a six-hour operation during the early hours of Sunday, which involved Royal Marine Commandos, National Crime Agency officers, and support from the Royal Air Force.
The Ministry of Defense announced that the tanker will be detained and observed off the south coast of England as investigations proceed.
In announcing the operation, Starmer stated: “This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and serves as a reminder to those supporting Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not allow them to hide.”
As reported by the Ministry of Defense, Russia has utilized a shadow fleet consisting of over 700 vessels to circumvent international sanctions on its oil exports. The government stated that the fleet is accountable for transporting approximately 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil and continues to be a significant source of revenue for the Kremlin.
The operation adheres to the measures introduced by Starmer in March, which permit British forces to board sanctioned vessels navigating through UK waters.
The UK has enacted sanctions on over 500 ships associated with Russia’s oil trade. The restrictions bar ships from accessing UK ports and prohibit British companies and individuals from offering financial, insurance, or brokerage services related to Russian oil shipments.
On Sunday, the operation featured aircraft from the Maritime Air Group, including an RAF P-8 surveillance aircraft, along with Royal Navy warships HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
Data from MarineTraffic indicated that Smyrtos was sailing under a Cameroon flag and was anchored in the English Channel.
Attorney General Richard Hermer stated: “This government has made it clear that we will pursue Russia’s shadow fleet with the full force of international law.”
The government stated that the crackdown is intended to decrease Russia’s oil revenues and restrict financial support for its military activities in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defense stated that the operation was conducted in close collaboration with France. On 1 June, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that French forces, with support from the UK, intercepted a sanctioned tanker believed to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet.
