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UK Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in First Such Operation in the English Channel
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British forces have intercepted and seized the oil tanker SMYRTOS, identified as part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, while it was transiting the English Channel, marking the first operation of its kind since the UK granted authorities expanded powers to target vessels suspected of helping Moscow circumvent oil sanctions.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the operation on June 14, stating that British military personnel had successfully stopped the tanker. In a post on X, Starmer said: “This successful operation strikes another blow against Russia and serves as a reminder to those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.”
According to statements from the UK government and Ministry of Defense, the operation involved Royal Marines from 42 Commando and officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA).
The vessel, sailing under the flag of Cameroon, had departed from Russia’s Baltic port of Ust-Luga before entering British waters.
British authorities said the six-hour operation was supported by multiple military assets, including Chinook, Merlin Mk4, and Wildcat helicopters from the Royal Navy’s Maritime Air Group.
A Royal Air Force P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft also monitored the operation alongside the Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland and the mine countermeasures vessel HMS Ledbury.
The tanker is expected to be moved to an anchorage off the southern coast of England, where it will remain under supervision while British authorities conduct further investigations and safety assessments.
UK Defense Minister Dan Jarvis said the seizure was intended to disrupt Russia’s ability to finance its war through oil exports. “Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund its war in Ukraine, and this detention strikes a blow against Putin’s war,” he said.
The operation follows a policy change announced by Starmer in March 2026, granting British military and law enforcement agencies authority to intercept vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet in UK territorial waters. Despite those powers, no Russian-linked tanker had previously been detained.
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