British authorities conducted a successful operation in the English Channel on Sunday, seizing a sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, marking the first such action, according to the Prime Minister. Keir Starmer praised the six-hour military operation as a significant blow to Russia and a strong message to those supporting Putin’s actions in Ukraine.
The operation, led by the UK, involved Royal Marine Commandos and specialized law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency boarding the vessel Smyrtos. Footage released by the Ministry of Defence depicted soldiers descending from a Chinook helicopter in the early hours of the morning to board the 250m-long tanker. No shots were fired, and the Russian crew on board was unarmed.
Following the operation, the tanker was detained and will be moved to an anchorage off the South Coast of England for monitoring. The mission received support from various aircraft and naval vessels, including Chinooks, Merlin Mk4, Wildcat, an RAF P-8 aircraft, HMS Sutherland, and HMS Ledbury.
Keir Starmer commended the personnel involved in the operation for their dedication to keeping the country safe. The Prime Minister had authorized British Armed Forces and law enforcement officers to board shadow fleet vessels in line with international law in March.
The Smyrtos, sanctioned in July 2025, is part of a shadow fleet responsible for transporting the majority of Russia’s sanctioned oil, supporting the Kremlin’s war efforts in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the UK’s actions, emphasizing the importance of cutting off Russia’s financial resources for the conflict.
Cabinet minister Lucy Nandy highlighted the significance of disrupting the funding source for Russia’s unlawful war and commended the decisive action taken by the UK. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised the skill and courage displayed during the operation, emphasizing the impact on Putin’s illegal war.
The UK’s efforts in targeting the shadow fleet have already led to the sanctioning of hundreds of vessels, contributing to a notable decline in Russia’s oil and gas revenues. The Ministry of Defence affirmed the effectiveness of these measures, stating that the sanctions are having a tangible impact on Russia’s financial capabilities.