Key facts
- British armed forces intercepted and detained the Russian oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer directed the operation.
- The SMYRTOS is suspected of being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to evade sanctions.
- This marks the first UK-led operation of its kind against a sanctioned vessel.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the action.
The United Kingdom's Armed Forces intercepted and detained the Russian oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel, a move directed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The operation, which lasted six hours, targeted the vessel suspected of being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' that helps evade sanctions. This marks the first operation of its kind led by the UK. The SMYRTOS had departed from a Russian Baltic port and was en route to Port Said, Egypt, sailing under the Cameroonian flag. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the UK for upholding sanctions, stating that the action deprives Russia of funds and limits its war capabilities. UK Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis highlighted the shadow fleet's role in generating funds for Russia's war effort and noted that UK sanctions are working, with Russia's oil and gas revenues falling by 24% year-on-year in 2025. The UK has sanctioned over 500 vessels, and the shadow fleet comprises over 700 vessels responsible for carrying 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil.