In a notable operation, British armed forces boarded the Russian oil tanker SMYRTOS as it attempted to navigate the English Channel. This action, led by Royal Marine Commandos and law enforcement from the National Crime Agency, was directed by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who emphasized its importance in disrupting support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
The U.K. has imposed sanctions on over 500 vessels to combat the so-called 'shadow fleet' that facilitates Russian oil transport in violation of international sanctions. The interception aligns with broader European efforts to crack down on such activities, particularly following the EU's recent decision to enhance its naval operations in the Mediterranean.
Russia has condemned these actions, claiming they threaten maritime security and labeling the term 'shadow fleet' as a political fabrication.
The Atlantic Council reports a significant increase in the number of vessels involved in illicit oil trading since the introduction of a $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil exports in December 2022, with estimates suggesting that such vessels now account for 18.2% of global oil tanker tonnage