Britain detains sanctioned oil tanker believed to be linked to Russia's shadow fleet
LONDON (AP) — Armed British forces boarded and detained a sanctioned tanker Sunday that is suspected of being part of the Russian “shadow fleet,” shipping oil in violation of international sanctions over Moscow’s war on Ukraine, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday.
TL;DR
- British armed forces boarded and detained a sanctioned tanker named Smyrtos in the English Channel.
- The vessel is suspected of being part of Russia's "shadow fleet" and violating international sanctions.
- This was the first UK-led operation of its kind, involving Royal Marine commandos.
- The operation was conducted in coordination with French authorities.
- The tanker, sailing under a Cameroon flag, departed from a Russian port on June 5.
- The UK stated such operations impact resources sustaining Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the UK for its actions.