UK Detains Sanctioned Oil Tanker Believed to be Linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet

Britain has detained a sanctioned oil tanker in the English Channel, suspecting it is linked to Russia's "shadow fleet" and is violating international sanctions imposed over Moscow's war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the operation on Sunday.

British armed forces boarded and detained the vessel, identified as the Smyrtos. The Defense Ministry described the action as "the first UK-led operation of its kind." The tanker will be held and monitored off England's south coast while an investigation takes place.

The operation was conducted in close coordination with French authorities, who have previously intercepted vessels associated with the "shadow fleet." Russia is believed to be using hundreds of ships to circumvent sanctions related to its conflict in Ukraine.

"This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide," Starmer was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. UK authorities stated that such actions directly target the resources funding Russia's aggression and diminish its capacity to threaten European security.

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This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide