UK intercepts Russian tanker from “shadow fleet”

The British military intercepted an oil tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet in the English Channel.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the action in a post on his verified X account on Sunday.

“In the early hours of this morning, I directed our Armed Forces to intercept a shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to pass through the English Channel,” he wrote. “This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.”

France has previously intercepted several vessels associated with Russia’s shadow fleet, which transports Russian oil in defiance of international sanctions.

The tanker seized on Sunday is said to be the Cameroon‑flagged Smyrtos, which was sanctioned last year by the UK for its role in shipping Russian oil.

The interception of the Smyrtos occurred just days after the Prime Minister appointed a new Defence Secretary, Dan Jarvis, following the resignation of John Healey from Starmer’s government over a dispute about military budgets.