UK seizes Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in 'first operation of its kind'
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Editor's note: This story has been updated with reaction from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Britain’s armed forces boarded and detained a Russian-sanctioned shadow fleet tanker in the English Channel on June 14, the country's Defense Ministry and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
The shadow fleet of more than 700 vessels transports around 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil and serves as a key source of revenue for the Kremlin, according to UK Defense Secretary Dan Jarvis. He said the income generated helps fund missiles and drones used in attacks on Ukrainian civilians and supports Russia’s war effort.
Royal Marine Commandos and specially trained officers from the National Crime Agency intercepted the vessel, Smyrtos, in the early hours, with Starmer's personal authorization.
The operation lasted around six hours and was described as the first UK-led operation of its kind.
“This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide,” Starmer wrote on X.
Despite Putin’s best efforts to evade sanctions, we will not let him get away with it. pic.twitter.com/IIW3Cv2ENQ
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 14, 2026
The vessel, Smyrtos, has been transporting Russian crude oil and petroleum products and is sanctioned by the EU, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and Ukraine, according to Ukraine's military intelligence agency's database of shadow fleet vessels.
The vessel will be moved provisionally to an anchorage off the south coast of England and monitored for environmental and safety concerns.
President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Keir Starmer and all the British people for "their principled resolve."
"It was Russia’s hubris, fueled by high oil and gas revenues, that paved the way for this war, and every decision by partners that deprives Russia of money also limits the war itself," he wrote on X.
Zelensky also urged European countries to take legislative steps allowing not only the detention of tankers and restrictions on oil shipments, but also the confiscation of the oil they carry. “This will certainly help bring peace closer,” he added.
The UK has sanctioned almost 600 Russian shadow fleet vessels to date.
Several countries, including France, Germany, and Italy have taken action against Russian-linked vessels in their territorial waters. Most recently, the French Navy detained a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Atlantic Ocean on May 31.
