UK FORCES SEIZE RUSSIAN OIL TANKER – Royal Marines board suspected sanctions-busting vessel in English Channel
The commanding officer of the Royal Marines unit that seized a Russian-linked oil tanker says attempts to evade sanctions and fund the war in Ukraine will be met with decisive action.
British forces boarded the tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel during a major overnight operation involving Royal Marine Commandos, National Crime Agency officers, helicopters and Royal Navy warships. The vessel is now being held off the south coast of England while investigations continue.
Military officials say the six-hour operation resulted in 25 crew members being detained and handed over to authorities. The boarding marks the first British-led interception of a vessel linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, used to bypass international sanctions.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the operation delivers “another blow to Russia”, as the UK continues efforts to disrupt funding streams linked to Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
