Royal Marine commandos stormed a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the English Channel early this morning, in a six-hour operation that saw the vessel seized and moved to a secure anchorage off the south coast of England.
The Ministry of Defence said the raid on the oil tanker Smyrtos – accused of exporting Russian oil products in breach of international sanctions for at least a year – was the first UK-led operation of its kind. It was backed by Chinook, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters from the Maritime Air Group, an RAF P-8 surveillance aircraft, and the frigate HMS Sutherland and minehunter HMS Ledbury.
“Royal Marines seize Russian shadow fleet tanker Smyrtos in first UK-led operation of its kind.”
Ukraine’s foreign minister welcomed the interception, saying “every such vessel stopped, means less money for the Russian war machine”.
Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement: “This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling (President Vladimir) 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.”
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis added: “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.”
The vessel Smyrtos will be provisionally moved to an anchorage off the south coast and monitored for any environmental or safety concerns, according to the MoD. Specially trained law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency joined the boarding party.
The operation, which began in the early hours of Sunday, marks a significant escalation in the UK’s efforts to disrupt the shadow fleet that Moscow uses to evade oil sanctions. The question now is how the Kremlin will respond.