UK Forces Board Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in English Channel
British Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers boarded the sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel in a six-hour operation, the first UK-led interdiction of its kind. Supported by helicopters, an RAF P-8 Poseidon, and Royal Navy warships, the vessel was moved to an anchorage off England’s south coast for environmental monitoring. Prime Minister Starmer called it a blow to Russia’s war financing, noting Russian oil revenues have dropped 27% since October 2024.
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UK Forces Intercept Russian Shadow Fleet Vessel in English Channel
UK forces, including Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers, boarded the Russian-linked vessel SMYRTOS in the English Channel during a six-hour operation. The Ministry of Defence stated the boarding was conducted on grounds of suspected sanctions evasion, as Russia continues to move sanctioned oil. The operation, supported by helicopters, an RAF P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, and Royal Navy ships HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury, marks the first UK-led mission of its kind against a Russian-linked vessel since the start of the Ukraine conflict. The vessel will remain anchored off the South Coast of England for monitoring. The action is part of broader UK efforts to curb Russia's shadow fleet, which includes over 700 vessels carrying approximately 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil exports. The UK has sanctioned nearly 600 Russian vessels linked to the fleet. The boarding was coordinated with French authorities and complied with international law.
Naval TechnologyUK Forces Intercept Russian Shadow Fleet Vessel in English Channel
UK forces, including Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers, boarded the vessel SMYRTOS in the English Channel during a six-hour operation. The Ministry of Defence stated the boarding was conducted on suspicion of sanctions evasion, targeting Russia's shadow fleet used to transport sanctioned oil. The operation was supported by aircraft from the Maritime Air Group, including Chinook and Merlin helicopters, an RAF P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, and Royal Navy ships HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury. The vessel will remain anchored off the South Coast of England for monitoring. This is the first UK-led mission of its kind since the start of the Ukraine conflict. The action is part of broader UK efforts to counter the shadow fleet of over 700 vessels, which carries approximately 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil exports. UK officials reported that in Q1 2025, UK-sanctioned ships transported $1.6bn less Russian oil compared to the same period in 2024. The operation was coordinated with French authorities.
Naval TechnologyUK Intercepts Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel
British armed forces, including Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers, intercepted the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker 'Smyrtos' in the English Channel during a six-hour operation early Sunday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the interdiction, the first of its kind in British waters, following a March agreement allowing UK forces to board such vessels. The tanker is being held and monitored off the south coast for environmental and safety concerns. The Ministry of Defence stated the UK has sanctioned over 500 vessels, and Russia's oil and gas revenue has dropped 24% year-on-year in 2025. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch supported the action. The operation involved two Royal Navy ships and multiple helicopters. Attorney General Lord Hermer and Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis emphasized the blow to Russia's war funding.
OilPrice.com Daily News UpdateU.K. crime agency arrests Indian man in raid on Russian shadow fleet oil tanker
The U.K. National Crime Agency (NCA), in a joint operation with Royal Marine Commandos, boarded and seized the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel on June 14, 2026. A 38-year-old Indian national was arrested on suspicion of sanctions offences under Russia regulations. The vessel, carrying 24 Indian and Georgian Indian crew members, remains anchored off the Dorset coast. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the operation delivers a blow to Russia's war funding. The NCA declined to specify the exact charges, citing an ongoing investigation. The operation, supported by aircraft and naval vessels, lasted six hours and was conducted in international waters under domestic and international law.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.UK Conducts First Boarding of Russian Shadow Fleet Ship
The UK conducted its first boarding of a Russian shadow fleet vessel, the crude oil tanker Smyrtos, in the English Channel on 14 June 2026. Royal Marines Commandos and National Crime Agency (NCA) personnel executed the six-hour vessel boarding, search, and seize (VBSS) operation, supported by Royal Navy frigates, mine warfare vessels, helicopters, and a Poseidon P-8A aircraft, in coordination with France. The vessel was held at an anchorage off the UK south coast for investigation. An individual was arrested on suspicion of sanctions offences. The operation was authorized under Article 110 of UNCLOS and domestic/international law. UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis stated the interdiction delivers a blow to Russia's illegal war in Ukraine. The shadow fleet is estimated at 700 ships, carrying 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil.
Naval NewsUK Conducts First Boarding of Russian Shadow Fleet Ship
On 14 June 2026, the UK conducted its first boarding operation against a Russian 'shadow fleet' vessel, the crude oil tanker Smyrtos, in the English Channel approximately 25 miles off the Isle of Wight. Royal Marines Commandos and National Crime Agency (NCA) personnel executed the vessel board, search, and seize (VBSS) operation, supported by Chinook, Merlin Mk4, and Wildcat helicopters, a Poseidon P-8A MPA, and Royal Navy frigates HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury. The operation was coordinated closely with France, and its legal basis derived from March 2026 UK MoD authorization. The ship's crew cooperated, and an individual was arrested for suspected sanctions offenses. The vessel is held at an anchorage off the UK south coast pending investigation. UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis stated the interdiction delivers a blow to Russia's illegal war by targeting the shadow fleet, which carries 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil.
Naval NewsUK Conducts First Boarding of Russian Shadow Fleet Ship
The UK conducted its first boarding operation against a Russian 'shadow fleet' ship, the crude oil tanker Smyrtos, in the English Channel on 14 June 2026. Royal Marines Commandos and National Crime Agency personnel executed the six-hour vessel board, search, and seize (VBSS) operation, supported by Chinook, Merlin Mk4, and Wildcat helicopters, a Poseidon P-8A aircraft, and Royal Navy vessels HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury. The operation was coordinated with France. The vessel, sanctioned by the UK, was held at an anchorage off the UK's south coast. An individual was arrested on suspicion of sanctions offences. UK Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis stated the interdiction delivers a blow to Russia's illegal war in Ukraine, as the shadow fleet carries 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil. The action was conducted in international waters under domestic and international law.
Naval NewsUK Intercepts Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel
The United Kingdom's Armed Forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to transit the English Channel on Sunday, in what officials described as a significant blow to the Kremlin. The operation, directed by UK leadership in the early hours, targets vessels used by Russia to evade sanctions and continue oil exports amid its ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year. The interception underscores Western efforts to disrupt Moscow's covert maritime logistics and enforce economic penalties.
Just In NewsUK Royal Marines Board Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in English Channel
The UK Ministry of Defence released footage showing Royal Marine Commandos from 42 Commando boarding the Russian shadow fleet tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel. The vessel was sailing under a false Cameroonian flag and is part of Russia's efforts to evade Western sanctions and fund its war in Ukraine. The six-hour operation, supported by HMS Sutherland, HMS Ledbury, and an RAF P-8 Poseidon, was the first UK-led interdiction of its kind. The boarding was conducted alongside National Crime Agency officers and justified under Article 110 of UNCLOS, which allows warships to verify the nationality of vessels suspected of being stateless. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised the operation, which was coordinated with France. The vessel is now held off the south coast of England for investigation.
UK Defence JournalUK Forces Board Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in English Channel
The UK Ministry of Defence released footage showing Royal Marine Commandos from 42 Commando boarding the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel. The vessel was sailing under a false Cameroonian flag, a common practice among Russia's shadow fleet to evade sanctions. This is the first UK-led operation of its kind, conducted with the National Crime Agency and supported by naval vessels, helicopters, and an RAF P-8 Poseidon. The six-hour interdiction was justified under Article 110 of UNCLOS, allowing warships to board stateless vessels. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised the operation as a blow to Russia's war funding. The tanker is now held off the south coast of England for investigation. The UK has sanctioned nearly 600 shadow fleet vessels, which carry about 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil.
UK Defence JournalUK Royal Marines Board Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in English Channel
The UK Ministry of Defence released footage showing Royal Marine Commandos from 42 Commando boarding the Russian shadow fleet tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel. The vessel was sailing under a false Cameroonian flag and is part of Russia's efforts to evade Western sanctions and fund its war in Ukraine. The six-hour operation, supported by HMS Sutherland, HMS Ledbury, and an RAF P-8 Poseidon, was the first UK-led interdiction of its kind. The boarding was conducted alongside National Crime Agency officers and justified under Article 110 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which allows warships to verify the nationality of vessels suspected of being stateless. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised the operation, which was coordinated with France. The SMYRTOS will be held off the south coast of England for investigation.
UK Defence JournalUK Forces Board Sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel
British armed forces, including Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers, intercepted and boarded the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel early Sunday. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed this was the first UK-led operation of its kind. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he directed the interception to disrupt Russia's efforts to evade sanctions amid its war in Ukraine. The vessel will be held off the UK's south coast while investigations continue. The UK has sanctioned over 500 vessels as part of its crackdown on the shadow fleet. The operation follows EU measures authorizing naval forces to inspect ships suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of sanctions. Russia condemned the EU decision, calling the term 'shadow fleet' a political fabrication.
US Top News and AnalysisU.K. intercepts Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel
British forces conducted a six-hour operation in the early hours of June 14, 2026, intercepting a sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, the SMYRTOS, in the English Channel. The operation, supported by Chinook helicopters and the frigate HMS Sutherland, involved Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers boarding the vessel. Defence Minister Dan Jarvis stated the interdiction 'delivers a blow to Putin's illegal war' and was carried out in close coordination with France. The vessel will be moved to an anchorage off the south coast of England and monitored. The U.K. has sanctioned hundreds of shadow fleet vessels used by Russia to bypass Western embargoes since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the operation reminds those 'fuelling Putin's war' that they cannot hide. The article also notes broader concerns about Russia's 'hybrid war' in the Baltic Sea, including damage to undersea cables.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.UK forces board sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel
British armed forces intercepted the Russian shadow fleet oil tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel early Sunday, marking the first UK-led operation of its kind. Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers boarded the vessel, which will be held off the UK's south coast during investigations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he directed the interception to disrupt Russia's efforts to evade sanctions amid its war against Ukraine. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis noted the UK has sanctioned over 500 vessels targeting the shadow fleet. The operation coincides with EU efforts to expand its naval mission Operation IRINI in the Mediterranean to stop and inspect ships suspected of transporting Russian oil. Russia condemned the EU decision, calling the term 'shadow fleet' a political fabrication. The Atlantic Council reports the shadow fleet has grown significantly since Western governments imposed a $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports in December 2022.
US Top News and AnalysisBritish Forces Intercept Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel
British armed forces, including Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers, intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel during a six-hour operation early Sunday morning. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the operation, which marks the first time a Russian shadow fleet vessel has been interdicted in UK territorial waters. The tanker, identified as Smyrtos, will be held and monitored off the south coast for environmental and safety concerns. The operation involved two Royal Navy ships (HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury) and multiple helicopters. The UK has sanctioned over 500 vessels as part of efforts to disrupt Russia's oil revenue, which funds its war in Ukraine. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised the operation as a blow to Putin's illegal war, while Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer emphasized the government's commitment to pursuing the shadow fleet under international law.
City AMBritish Forces Intercept Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel
British armed forces, including Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers, intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel during a six-hour operation early Sunday morning. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the operation, which marks the first time a Russian shadow fleet vessel has been interdicted in British waters. The tanker, named Smyrtos, was boarded by Royal Navy ships HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury, supported by Chinook, Merlin Mk4, and Wildcat helicopters. The vessel will be held and monitored off the south coast for environmental and safety concerns. The UK has sanctioned over 500 vessels as part of efforts to disrupt Russia's oil revenue, which funds its war in Ukraine. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch both expressed support for the operation. Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer stated the action was taken under international law.
City AMBritish Army Seizes Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker; Russia Reports Massive Drone Attack
The British military intercepted and boarded the oil tanker 'Smyrtos' from Russia's shadow fleet in the English Channel, acting on orders from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The operation, conducted with French coordination, lasted six hours and the vessel is now held off the UK's south coast for investigation. Starmer described the action as a blow against Putin's war financing. Defence Minister Dan Jarvis stated the seizure targets Russia's ability to fund its conflict in Ukraine. Separately, the governor of Russia's Yaroslavl region reported a massive Ukrainian drone attack that hit a fuel depot, sparking a fire with no casualties. The Kremlin has previously criticized such interceptions as bordering on 'international piracy.'
Nachrichten - WELTBritish forces intercept Russian shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to cross English Channel
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he directed the interception of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to cross the English Channel. The operation, conducted by British forces, is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia's covert oil trade and support for the war in Ukraine. Starmer stated that the successful operation delivers another blow to Russia and serves as a warning to those fueling Putin's war. The interception highlights the UK's commitment to enforcing sanctions and maritime security in the region.
The Business TimesBritish forces intercept Russian shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to cross English Channel
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he directed the interception of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to cross the English Channel. The operation, conducted by British forces, is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia's covert oil trade, which helps fund the war in Ukraine. Starmer stated that the successful operation delivers another blow to Russia and serves as a warning to those fueling Putin's war. The interception highlights the UK's commitment to enforcing sanctions and countering Russian maritime activities in European waters.
The Business TimesUK Forces Intercept Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in English Channel
British armed forces, including Royal Marine commandos and law enforcement officers, intercepted and boarded the sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker 'Smyrtos' in the English Channel early Sunday morning. The operation was supported by RAF jets and Royal Navy vessels HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury. Shadow vessels carry sanctioned Russian oil to fund the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the operation delivers a blow to Russia and warns those fueling the war they cannot hide. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised the skill and courage of the personnel involved, emphasizing the interdiction disrupts funding for Putin's illegal war.
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