UK Forces Seize Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- British armed forces have, for the first time, intercepted and seized control of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, the Smyrtos, in the English Channel during a six-hour military operation.
- The operation involved Royal Marine Commandos and specially trained law enforcement officers, supported by British military ships and aircraft.
- The Smyrtos will be held and monitored off the southern coast of England as part of efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia.
- The British government highlighted that Russia’s shadow fleet, comprising over 700 vessels, carries 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil, helping the Kremlin circumvent international sanctions related to its invasion of Ukraine.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the operation sends a strong message to those supporting Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot evade accountability.