Britain detains sanctioned oil tanker suspected of ties to Russia's shadow fleet
Summary
British forces boarded and detained an oil tanker called Smyrtos in the English Channel. The tanker is suspected of being part of a secret Russian fleet involved in shipping oil illegally, breaking sanctions related to Russia’s war on Ukraine.Key Facts
- The operation was led by the UK and involved Royal Marine commandos who arrived by helicopter.
- The tanker Smyrtos was sailing under a Cameroon flag and left the Russian port of Ust-Luga on June 5.
- Smyrtos is suspected of being part of Russia’s "shadow fleet," which tries to avoid international sanctions.
- The tanker is now being held and monitored off the south coast of England for investigation.
- The UK worked closely with French authorities, who have also intercepted ships linked to Russia’s shadow fleet.
- UK officials say this operation aims to cut resources that support Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy thanked the UK and called for more actions to stop and confiscate illegally shipped oil.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this is the first UK-led operation of this kind and a message to those supporting Russia’s war.
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