UK Forces Intercept Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel
7 verified6 unconfirmed
British armed forces boarded and detained a sanctioned oil tanker suspected of being part of Russia's shadow fleet in the English Channel on Sunday, June 14. Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers conducted the six-hour operation, which the Ministry of Defence described as the first UK-led operation of its kind. The vessel, identified as the Smyrtos, is being held and monitored off the south coast of England for investigation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the operation delivers a blow to Russia and reminds those fueling the war in Ukraine that they cannot hide. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the UK for the action, stating that depriving Russia of money limits the war itself. The operation was carried out in close coordination with French authorities, who have previously intercepted similar vessels. The United Kingdom has sanctioned nearly 600 shadow fleet vessels as part of efforts to reduce Russia’s oil revenue.
What’s verified
British forces boarded and detained the oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel on June 14.
Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers carried out the six-hour operation.
The operation was the first UK-led interdiction of its kind, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the operation "delivers yet another blow to Russia" and that those fueling the war cannot hide.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy thanked the UK and said depriving Russia of money limits the war.
The operation was conducted in close coordination with French authorities.
The tanker will be held and monitored off the south coast of England for investigation.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that the shadow fleet comprises over 700 vessels, while another described it as hundreds of ships.
One source noted that the Smyrtos sails under the flag of Cameroon and is currently anchored off Weymouth.
One source stated that the UK has sanctioned almost 600 shadow fleet vessels and that Russia’s oil revenues are down 27% from October 2024 levels.
One source reported that the Ukraine front line has remained largely static due to drone warfare and that the US-Israel war on Iran has shifted attention away from Ukraine.
One source mentioned that the UK and France are leading a "coalition of the willing" to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.
Details on unrelated political statements by Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage, and others appear in only one source.
Key figures
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Ukrainian President), Keir Starmer (UK Prime Minister), Dan Jarvis (UK Defence Secretary), John Healey (former UK Defence Secretary)
Sources: The Guardian, NBC News, NPR
