UK commandos seize Russian shadow fleet tanker in Channel

Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the raid as “yet another blow to Russia,” saying Britain would not allow Moscow to hide its oil exports.

British commandos intercepted a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the English Channel on Sunday, marking the first direct operation by the UK to disrupt Moscow’s shadow fleet and its oil revenues.

The vessel Smyrtos, sailing under a Cameroonian flag, was boarded in the early hours by Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officials, supported by Chinook helicopters, a frigate, and a minehunter. Video released by the government showed commandos abseiling onto the ship while investigators searched documents.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the raid as “yet another blow to Russia,” saying Britain would not allow Moscow to hide its oil exports. Lieutenant Colonel Tom Quinn said the crew offered no resistance and cooperated as the vessel was secured and moved to anchorage.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy thanked Britain for the detention, urging Europe to go further by confiscating the oil carried by shadow fleet tankers. “This will certainly help bring peace closer,” he wrote on X.

The tanker will remain detained off England’s south coast while investigations continue, with officials stressing the operation was coordinated closely with France.

Starmer authorized such boardings in March, but until now Britain’s role had been limited to supporting French and U.S. actions. The move comes as Starmer faces political pressure at home, including a dispute over defense spending that cost him his defence secretary last week.

Western governments say Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers helps Moscow evade sanctions and sustain its war in Ukraine. Britain’s interception signals a tougher stance, though analysts note Russian vessels have continued to transit UK waters in similar numbers since the March announcement.