Britain has seized a Russian-linked “shadow fleet” tanker in the English Channel, marking the first such detention by UK forces. The operation targeted the sanctioned vessel Smyrtos during an overnight boarding mission. The move reflects growing Western pressure on Russia’s oil export network.
Royal Marine commandos boarded the Cameroon-flagged tanker in a six-hour operation supported by air and naval assets. The Ministry of Defence said the vessel was intercepted under international maritime law. It will now be moved to the south coast of England for inspection and monitoring.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the operation delivered a strong message against efforts to bypass sanctions. He said the action disrupted funding channels supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. Officials added that the seizure demonstrates stronger enforcement of maritime restrictions.
The incident marks the first time the United Kingdom has detained a Russian-linked vessel since the start of the Ukraine war. Other European countries, including France, Finland, and Estonia, have previously carried out similar boardings. Western allies have increasingly targeted Russia’s shadow fleet in recent years.
Russia has relied on aging tankers with opaque ownership structures to continue oil exports despite sanctions. In response, the UK and EU have sanctioned hundreds of vessels linked to the network. Authorities say enforcement actions will continue as part of efforts to limit Moscow’s energy revenues.