U.K. forces intercept a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel

EuropeU.K. forces intercept a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English ChannelBritain and France have both pledged to obstruct vessels linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” that pass through their waters carrying sanctioned Russian oil.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Military helicopters are seen at the Smyrtos vessel outside the harbour, on June 14 in Portland, England.Finnbarr Webster / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 14, 2026, 5:29 AM EDTBy Freddie ClaytonLONDON — British forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker on Sunday morning, its Ministry of Defence said, in the latest effort to disrupt Moscow’s sanctions-evasion network.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Russia’s “shadow fleet” of more than 700 vessels is estimated to transport around 75% of the country’s sanctioned oil exports, providing a critical financial lifeline for the Kremlin and helping fund the missiles and drones used in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.“This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.Royal Marine Commandos and officers from Britain’s National Crime Agency boarded the vessel, the Smyrtos, in the English Channel, the body of water separating Britain and France, the ministry said. It added that the tanker will be held and monitored off the south coast of England while investigations continue.The operation lasted six hours and was conducted in close coordination with French authorities, the ministry said.“Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund its conflict in Ukraine, and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war,” Britain’s Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said.According to vessel-tracking website MarineTraffic, the Smyrtos sails under the flag of Cameroon. The vessel is currently anchored off the English seaside town of Weymouth.The Englis...