British armed forces intercepted and boarded a Russian oil tanker linked to Moscow's so-called 'shadow fleet' in the English Channel, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed. The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday morning, targeted a vessel believed to be part of a network used to evade Western sanctions on Russian energy exports.
Speaking to reporters, Starmer said the action demonstrated the UK's resolve to enforce international sanctions and disrupt illicit maritime activities. 'We will not tolerate the flouting of sanctions designed to hold Russia accountable for its aggression,' he stated.
The shadow fleet consists of aging, poorly insured tankers that Russia has reportedly acquired or repurposed to continue selling oil despite price caps and embargoes imposed by the G7 and EU. Environmental groups have warned that these vessels pose a significant risk of oil spills due to their lack of proper maintenance and insurance.
Defence sources confirmed that Royal Marines conducted the boarding after the tanker ignored warnings to stop. The ship was escorted to a UK port for inspection. No injuries were reported.
The Ukrainian government welcomed the interception, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanking the UK for its continued support in curbing Russia's war financing.