British forces have seized a suspected Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the English Channel in a major maritime operation aimed at enforcing sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine.
The vessel, identified as the Smyrtos, was intercepted and boarded by British forces during a six-hour operation involving Royal Marine Commandos, the National Crime Agency, and military air and naval support.
UK authorities said the tanker, believed to be part of a network of ships used to bypass sanctions on Russian oil exports, was stopped while attempting to pass through the Channel. It will now be held under monitoring off the south coast of England for safety and environmental checks.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the operation sends a strong message to those helping fund Russia’s war in Ukraine, stating that Britain will continue to block efforts to conceal sanctioned oil shipments.
Defence officials said the operation reflects ongoing efforts to target Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels allegedly used to evade Western sanctions imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The UK Ministry of Defence said more than 500 vessels have now been sanctioned as part of wider international measures aimed at reducing Russia’s oil revenues, which have reportedly declined in recent years due to restrictions.
The incident comes amid continued tensions between Western countries and Russia over maritime enforcement and sanctions compliance.
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