Britain Seizes Russian-Linked ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tanker In First Operation Of Its Kind

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

LONDON (Worthy News) – British commandos and law enforcement officers boarded and detained a Russian-linked “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the English Channel on Sunday in what officials described as the first UK-led operation of its kind aimed at disrupting Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine.

Royal Marine Commandos and officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) boarded the tanker Smyrtos during a six-hour operation supported by Royal Air Force aircraft, Royal Navy vessels, and military helicopters, Britain’s Ministry of Defence said.

The vessel, sailing under a Cameroon flag, was intercepted in international waters more than 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) from the British coast before being moved to an anchorage off southern England, where it will remain under investigation and monitoring.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the operation demonstrated Britain’s determination to enforce sanctions imposed on Russia over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide,” Starmer said.

SHADOW FLEET TARGETED

The tanker is believed to be part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a network of aging vessels accused by Western governments of helping Moscow circumvent international sanctions on oil exports.

British officials say the fleet consists of more than 700 vessels and is responsible for transporting about 75 percent of Russia’s sanctioned oil exports, providing a crucial source of revenue for the Kremlin.

According to shipping data, the Smyrtos departed from Ust-Luga, a Russian oil terminal near St. Petersburg, on June 5 before entering the English Channel.

The vessel was sanctioned by Britain in 2025 and reportedly changed both its name and flag registration in what authorities say was an effort to evade sanctions enforcement.

British Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the operation struck at a key source of funding for Russia’s military campaign.

WIDER CRACKDOWN

“Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund its conflict in Ukraine, and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war,” Jarvis said.

British authorities stressed that the operation was conducted in accordance with international and domestic law. Officials cited provisions of international maritime law that permit states to verify a vessel’s nationality when there are reasonable grounds to suspect irregularities in its registration.

The interception follows a growing international campaign against Russia’s shadow fleet.

France has previously boarded and intercepted suspected shadow-fleet vessels, in some cases with British support, while Baltic Sea nations, including Estonia, Sweden, and Finland, have detained, boarded, or inspected ships suspected of sanctions evasion or of operating under questionable registration documents.

The United States has also taken enforcement action against tankers accused of helping Russia evade sanctions as Western allies seek to tighten restrictions on Moscow’s energy exports.

RUSSIA REACTION

Moscow did not immediately comment on Sunday’s operation. However, Russian officials have previously condemned similar actions by Western nations as illegal and accused NATO countries of engaging in what they describe as maritime “piracy.”

Britain says it has now sanctioned nearly 600 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet and intends to use a range of military, legal, and financial measures to enforce those restrictions.

The operation was conducted in close coordination with France and comes as Western governments intensify efforts to reduce revenues that Russia uses to finance its war against Ukraine.

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