British forces have intercepted a Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the English Channel for the first time, in what the government described as a major operation aimed at disrupting Moscow’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine.The vessel, SMYRTOS, was boarded in the early hours of Sunday by Royal Marine Commandos and specially trained officers from the National Crime Agency during a six-hour operation in UK territorial waters. The mission was supported by aircraft from the Maritime Air Group, including Chinook, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters, as well as an RAF P-8 surveillance aircraft and Royal Navy warships HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.The tanker has since been moved to an anchorage off the south coast of England, where it will remain under monitoring while investigations continue. The Ministry of Defence said the action was carried out in accordance with both domestic and international law.The operation marks the first time the UK has led such an interdiction against a vessel linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. Prime Minister Keir Starmer approved new powers in March allowing British armed forces and law enforcement agencies to board sanctioned vessels passing through UK waters.Announcing the operation, Starmer said: “This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide. I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis described the mission as a significant step in efforts to weaken Russia’s war machine. “Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war,” he said.The UK says it has now sanctioned nearly 600 shadow fleet vessels and argues the measures are having an impact. Officials point to a sharp decline in Russian oil revenues over the past year, while stressing that coordinated action with allies, including France and the United States, will continue to target the maritime network that helps sustain Moscow’s war effort.
