The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on nearly 600 Russian oil tankers, as part of Western nations' attempts to cut off revenue that supports Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
British military forces intercepted a sanctioned shadow fleet oil tanker from Russia in the English Channel on Sunday, marking the first time the UK has led an operation aimed at disrupting the oil income that contributes to funding Russia's war in Ukraine.
The vessel Smyrtos, operating under the flag of Cameroon, was boarded by Royal Marine Commandos and officials from the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the early hours of Sunday, with assistance from Chinook helicopters and other aircraft, a frigate, and a minehunter.
"This successful operation strikes another blow against Russia and sends a clear message to those fueling Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not allow them to evade accountability," Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on social media.
Footage of the operation released by the government showed British commandos descending via rope onto the vessel, while NCA officials were observed examining documentation.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude on social media to Britain for detaining the tanker. Kyiv has been urging its allies to strengthen enforcement measures against the shadow fleet, which it claims finances Russia's war effort.
"Europe urgently needs to adopt legislative measures that enable not just the detention of tankers and restrictions on oil shipments, but also the seizure of the oil they transport. This would undoubtedly help bring peace closer," he said.