UK seizes suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker in English Channel

The UK has seized a suspected Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tanker in the English Channel. The British Ministry of Defence said the ship was seized in a special six-hour operation.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the successful operation was another blow to Russia and a warning to those funding Putin’s war in Ukraine. We will not let them hide.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the UK’s move as a “principled firmness” and thanked Keir Starmer and the British people.

Zelensky said Europe must now take legal action that would allow it to seize not only the tanker but also the oil. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin called such ship seizures “piracy.”

According to the Ministry of Defence, the tanker, named ‘Smirtos’, flying the flag of Cameroon, was seized in the early hours of Sunday (June 14). The operation involved Royal Marine Commandos, officers from the National Crime Agency. They were assisted by Chinook helicopters, a frigate ship and a minehunter unit.

Defence Minister Dan Jarvis said that such an operation required great skill, professionalism and courage. He expressed gratitude to the service members. He added that Russia was using this ‘shadow fleet’ to finance its war, and the seizure was a major blow to them.

The ministry said that the operation lasted about six hours. The ship was later taken to a safe anchorage off the coast of southern England and is being monitored for environmental and safety risks.

The ship is said to have set sail from the Russian Baltic port of Ust-Luga on June 5 and was heading for Port Said in Egypt. Earlier, several Russian-related tankers have also been seized by various European countries.

The UK has already imposed sanctions on more than 500 ships, the Ministry of Defence said. They claim that these measures have led to a 24 percent drop in Russian oil and gas revenues in 2025 compared to the previous year.

Source: Al Jazeera.