British Forces Seize Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker in English Channel in Six-Hour Operation

London: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that British armed forces have seized a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel following a six-hour operation in the early hours of Sunday. Royal Marine Commandos and specialist officers from the National Crime Agency boarded and searched the tanker, named 'Smyrtos', with the operation supported by the Royal Air Force and two Royal Navy vessels, HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.

The seized tanker is part of Russia's shadow fleet — a network of over 700 vessels used to transport Russian oil in circumvention of international sanctions. According to the Ministry of Defence, approximately 75 per cent of Russia's oil exports move through such ships. Prime Minister Starmer stated that these vessels serve as the financial lifeline for Russia's war in Ukraine, and made clear that Britain would not allow those bankrolling Russia's war machine to operate in the shadows.

Since March, British forces have been authorised to board and inspect sanctioned vessels passing through British waters — the legal basis on which Sunday's operation was carried out. The tanker, which had been operating under a Cameroonian flag, is now being held under British surveillance off the southern coast of England.

Shadow fleet vessels are barred from British ports, and British companies are prohibited from providing them with services including insurance. A similar operation was conducted on 1 June under the leadership of French President Emmanuel Macron, with British support. Britain has been intensifying measures aimed at cutting off Russia's revenue streams, and Sunday's seizure marks a significant escalation in those efforts.