British forces conducted a groundbreaking operation in the Channel by intercepting a sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, marking the first such incident, as announced by the Prime Minister on Sunday.
The operation, led by the UK for the first time, involved Royal Marine Commandos and specialized law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency boarding the vessel Smyrtos.
Dramatic video footage released by the Ministry of Defence showcased soldiers descending onto the nearly 250m-long oil tanker from a Chinook helicopter in the early hours of the morning. The vessel was also boarded by NCA officers.
The tanker, now detained, will be temporarily relocated to an anchorage off the South Coast of England for monitoring of any environmental or safety risks. The operation was supported by aircraft from the Maritime Air Group, including Chinooks, Merlin Mk4, Wildcat, an RAF P-8 aircraft, and HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
In response to the operation, Keir Starmer emphasized the impact on Russia and those supporting Putin’s actions in Ukraine, stating that such actions will not be tolerated.
The vessel, Smyrtos, part of a shadow fleet carrying 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil, plays a crucial role in funding the Kremlin’s war efforts, including supplying weapons targeting civilians in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude for the UK’s actions and called for further measures to restrict oil shipments to Russia.
Cabinet minister Lucy Nandy commended the navy officers and others involved in disrupting the funding source of the unlawful war, highlighting the government’s proactive stance against threats posed by Russia.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised the professionalism and courage displayed in the operation, underscoring the blow dealt to Putin’s illegal war. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the UK’s leadership in combatting the shadow fleet, with over 500 vessels already sanctioned.
The successful interception of the shadow fleet vessel signifies the UK’s commitment to upholding international law and disrupting the funding channels fueling Russia’s aggressive actions in the region.
