The United Kingdom's military has successfully intercepted an oil tanker connected to Russia's shadow fleet in the English Channel, marking the first such operation conducted by British forces. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the interception in a post on X, stating that he directed the Armed Forces to take action against the vessel.
Starmer emphasized that this operation represents a significant setback for Russia and serves as a warning to those supporting President Putin’s military actions in Ukraine. He stated, “This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.”
The intercepted tanker, named Smyrtos and registered under the Cameroon flag, had been sanctioned by the UK last year for its role in transporting Russian oil in violation of international sanctions. The operation involved commandos and the UK’s National Crime Agency boarding the ship.
Tracking data revealed that the Smyrtos was in Luga Bay, Russia, earlier this month before departing the Baltic Sea, with its stated destination being Port Said in Egypt.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the UK’s decisive action, urging European legislators to implement measures that would allow for the detention of such tankers and the confiscation of their cargo.
In response, a Kremlin envoy criticized Starmer, suggesting that the tanker’s detention was a diversion from domestic issues in the UK, particularly the ongoing migrant crisis. The interception comes shortly after Starmer appointed Dan Jarvis as the new Defense Secretary, following the resignation of John Healey amid tensions over military funding.
Jarvis remarked on the significance of the operation, stating, “Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war.”
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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