Britain’s Royal Marine Commandos have intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed.
The six-hour operation marked the first time a Russian shadow fleet vessel has been interdicted in British waters, following a policy agreement in March.
Starmer agreed in March that UK troops and law enforcement officers should be authorised to board shadow fleet vessels operating in British waters.
Specialist officers from the National Crime Agency joined Royal Marine Commandos in carrying out the overnight operation against the tanker.
Two Royal Navy ships, HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury, took part alongside aircraft including Chinooks, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters.
The tanker, named Smyrtos, will be held and monitored off the south coast for environmental and safety concerns.
Writing on X, Starmer said the operation “delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.”
He added: “I want to thank those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the enforcement action was carried out in UK territorial waters, in full accordance with domestic and international law.
The shadow fleet of more than 700 vessels is responsible for carrying roughly 75 per cent of Russia’s sanctioned oil, enabling the Kremlin to generate a war fund.
Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer wrote on LinkedIn: “Russia relies on their shadow fleet tankers to fund their conflict in Ukraine, and this expertly delivered interdiction strikes another blow at Putin’s war machine.”
The UK has already sanctioned more than 500 vessels, with Russia’s oil and gas revenue tumbling 24 per cent year on year in 2025.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis, who took up the position on Thursday night, paid tribute to those involved in the operation, saying it required “skill, professionalism and courage.”
Jarvis added: “Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also backed the operation, writing on X: “I pay tribute to the brave Royal Marine Commandos who boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker overnight in the English Channel.”
Badenoch added: “Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine is funded by their oil exports in defiance of sanctions. As Leader of the Opposition, I support the Government in standing with Ukraine.”