British forces have intercepted a Russian-linked oil tanker in the English Channel in a coordinated operation targeting Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet,” which is used to bypass Western sanctions on energy exports.
The vessel, identified as Smyrtos, was boarded early Sunday morning by Royal Marine Commandos alongside officers from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). The operation lasted around six hours and involved support from multiple military assets, including Chinook, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, a Royal Air Force P-8 surveillance aircraft, and Royal Navy ships HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
According to officials, the tanker is part of Russia’s wider network of vessels that operate using complex ownership structures, flags of convenience, and other methods designed to conceal cargo origins and evade restrictions imposed after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Westminster said the ship will now be moved to anchor off the UK’s south coast while authorities monitor it for safety and environmental risks. Ukrainian intelligence has stated that the vessel typically operates out of the Russian port of Kozmino and has been involved in exporting oil products since March 2025.
The operation drew swift political reactions. In a post on social media platform X, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the interception as “yet another blow to Russia,” adding that it should serve as a warning to those enabling Moscow’s war efforts that the UK would not allow such activity to go unchecked.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha thanked Britain for what he called its “leadership and decisive action,” saying Russia’s shadow fleet is directly tied to financing its military campaign. “Every such vessel stopped means less money for Russia’s war machine,” he wrote.
Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence also confirmed details of the tanker’s operations, linking it to ongoing Russian oil exports despite sanctions targeting the country’s energy sector.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised the personnel involved in the mission, calling the operation a demonstration of “skill, professionalism and courage.” He said Russia’s reliance on its shadow fleet highlights the importance of continued enforcement actions to disrupt its revenue streams.
“I pay tribute to our Armed Forces personnel and all those involved,” he said. “Our interdiction delivers another blow to Putin’s illegal war.”
Footage released by the government showed troops boarding and searching the vessel during the operation. Officials said further assessments are ongoing as part of wider efforts to enforce sanctions and disrupt illicit maritime activity linked to Russia’s energy exports.
