British armed forces intercept Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in Channel (opens original article in a new tab)

British armed forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the Channel, marking the first UK-led operation of its kind to disrupt Russia's sanctioned oil trade. The vessel, Smyrtos, is now anchored off Dorset and will be monitored for safety concerns. The operation aligns with UK efforts to cut off funding for Russia's war in Ukraine, with the Ministry of Defence stating sanctions have reduced Russia's oil and gas revenues by 24% year-on-year in 2025.

• British armed forces intercepted and boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the Channel
• The vessel, Smyrtos, was sailing under a Cameroonian flag and is now anchored off the coast of Dorset
• The operation is part of UK efforts to disrupt Russia's sanctioned oil trade funding the war in Ukraine
• The UK worked closely with France and has sanctioned over 500 vessels in the shadow fleet