Russian president Vladimir Putin.British armed forces delivered a major blow to Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine by intercepting a Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the English Channel.
Royal Marine commandos and specially-trained law enforcement officers boarded the sanctioned vessel Smyrtos in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The operation was supported by RAF jets as well as HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
Shadow vessels carry sanctioned Russian oil, which is sold to raise funds to pay for the Kremlin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
In a post on X, prime minister Keir Starmer said: “This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide.
“I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our armed forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
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.
This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not…
Defence secretary Dan Jarvis said: “Operations like this require skill, professionalism and courage. I pay tribute to our armed forces personnel and all those involved.
“Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war.”
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