British forces intercepted a Russian Shadow Fleet oil tanker attempting to cross the English Channel on Sunday, according to a statement from the British Ministry of Defence.
The vessel, identified as SMYRTOS, was boarded by Royal Marine commandos and specially trained officers from the National Crime Agency.
British authorities said that the tanker had been detained and would remain under surveillance off the country’s southern coast while investigations continued.
The Ministry of Defense said the enforcement measures were carried out within British territorial waters and in accordance with domestic and international law.
No details were immediately provided about the ship’s load, destination or ownership.
The interception represents the latest effort by Western governments to crack down on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a network of tankers used to transport Russian oil outside the scope of Western sanctions and price cap measures.
The fleet has become an increasing focus of sanctions enforcement since the start of the war in Ukraine, with European governments stepping up scrutiny of shipping activity on key sea routes.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he personally authorized the operation.
“This successful operation deals another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide,” Starmer said in a post on the X website.
The English Channel is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and an important route for energy and commercial trade between Europe and global markets.
The incident comes as Western countries continue to tighten enforcement measures aimed at restricting Russia’s ability to generate revenues from oil exports while maintaining support for Ukraine.
Source: Investing.com
