UK Forces Intercept Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel
Ukraine’s foreign minister has thanked the UK for its “leadership and decisive action” after the British government announced its forces had intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel.
The operation, which lasted six hours, was carried out by Royal Marine Commandos and law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) on Sunday morning. The marines and NCA officers were supported by Chinook, Merlin, and Wildcat helicopters, a Royal Air Force P-8, and the Royal Navy ships HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
Russian Shadow Fleet: A Tool of War
Russia uses its shadow fleet to evade Western sanctions on its oil industry, which prevent Moscow from chartering or insuring tankers unless it complies with certain restrictions. Its shadow fleet gets around these restrictions by making use of complex ownership structures, flags of convenience, and other tactics designed to mask the origin of its cargo.
“Russia’s shadow fleet is a tool of war,” Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha wrote on social media. “Every such vessel stopped means less money for Russia’s war machine”.
Smyrtos: A Vessel with a History
Smyrtos, the Russian oil tanker intercepted by UK forces, usually operates out of the Russian port of Kozmino and has been exporting oil products since March 2025. According to Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, the vessel is part of Russia’s shadow fleet.
International Cooperation and Sanctions
The interception of Smyrtos delivers “yet another blow to Russia” and serves as a reminder to those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they will not be able to hide, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The operation also highlights the importance of international cooperation in enforcing sanctions against Russia.
“I pay tribute to our Armed Forces personnel and all those involved,” said Dan Jarvis, the UK’s new secretary of defence. “Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine, and our interdiction delivers another blow to Putin’s illegal war.”
Original Article: Ukraine thanks UK for intercepting sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker — Euronews