British armed forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the English Channel in the early hours of Sunday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) reported that Royal Marine commandos and specially trained law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency boarded a sanctioned oil tanker during a six-hour operation. This marks the first UK-led operation of its kind.
The vessel, named Smyrtos, will be provisionally moved to an anchorage off the south coast of England and monitored for any environmental or safety concerns.
According to the MoD, the operation was supported by aircraft from the Maritime Air Group, including Chinooks, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters, an RAF P-8 aircraft, and HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
Starmer's Statement
Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement: “This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling (President Vladimir) Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide.”
He added: “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's Comments
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said: “Operations like this require skill, professionalism and courage. I pay tribute to our armed forces personnel and all those involved.”
He continued: “Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war.”
