UK Boards Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in English Channel
British forces boarded a Russian oil tanker in the English Channel on Sunday. The tanker was named Smyrtos.
It was the first time British forces acted alone to stop a shadow fleet ship. The shadow fleet is a group of ships Russia uses to move oil and avoid sanctions.
The six-hour operation was led by Royal Marine commandos. Officers from the National Crime Agency also took part.
The operation was supported by Chinook helicopters and the warship HMS Sutherland. The Smyrtos was sailing under a Cameroonian flag.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the operation delivered "yet another blow" to Russia and Putin. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the UK and called it an "important step." The Smyrtos is now being held off the south coast while investigations continue.
Russia's shadow fleet is estimated at over 700 vessels. It reportedly carries about 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil exports. That oil money helps fund Russia's war in Ukraine.
Key Terms 4
- Shadow fleet Ships Russia uses to secretly move oil and avoid sanctions
- Sanctions Rules that ban countries from trading with Russia as punishment
- Royal Marine commandos Elite British military soldiers trained for sea operations
- National Crime Agency UK law enforcement agency that tackles serious organised crime