British Forces Board Sanctioned Tanker Suspected of Being Part of Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Armed British forces boarded and detained a sanctioned tanker Sunday that is suspected of being part of the Russian “shadow fleet,” shipping oil in violation of international sanctions over Moscow’s war on Ukraine, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The operation was carried out “in close coordination” with French authorities, who have previously intercepted a number of vessels linked to the “shadow fleet.”
The vessel, the Smyrtos, sailing under a Cameroon flag, left the Russian Baltic port of Ust-Luga on June 5 destined for Port Said, Egypt, according to the MarineTraffic website. The British Defense Ministry described the operation as “the first U.K.-led operation of its kind” and stated that the vessel will be held and monitored off the south coast of England for investigation.
International Sanctions Against Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Russia is believed to be using a fleet of hundreds of ships to evade sanctions over its war against Ukraine. The Smyrtos, like many other vessels in the “shadow fleet,” is suspected of shipping oil in violation of international sanctions aimed at reducing Moscow’s ability to fund its military aggression.
U.K. authorities emphasized that such operations are “directly bearing down on the resources sustaining Russia‘s aggression in Ukraine and reducing its capacity to threaten security across Europe and beyond.” The operation was seen as a significant blow to Russia’s efforts to circumvent international sanctions and highlights the importance of cooperation between nations in enforcing these measures.
International Reactions
Ukraine President Voldymyr Zelenskyy thanked Starmer and the British people for their “principled resolve” in taking action against the Smyrtos. He emphasized that every decision by partners that deprives Russia of money also limits the war itself, stating, “It was Russia’s hubris, fueled by high oil and gas revenues, that paved the way for this war, and every decision by partners that deprives Russia of money also limits the war itself.”
The operation has been met with widespread international support, with many nations calling for increased cooperation to enforce sanctions against Russia‘s shadow fleet. As the global community continues to grapple with the implications of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the ongoing conflict and the broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Original Article: Britain detains sanctioned oil tanker believed to be linked to Russia’s shadow fleet | World | union-bulletin.com — Union-Bulletin