Jun 14, Kathmandu - The United Kingdom has for the first time intercepted a Russian oil tanker linked to Moscow’s ‘Shadow Fleet’ in its waters, marking a significant escalation in efforts to curb Russia’s maritime activities amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine.

The tanker, named Smartos, was targeted early Sunday morning by elite British Royal Marine commandos and specially trained officers from the National Crime Agency. The operation, lasting nearly six hours in UK territorial waters, involved advanced surveillance and attack helicopters including Chinooks, Merlin MK-4s, and Wildcat units, supported by RAF P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and Royal Navy vessels, HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.

The tanker was safely anchored off the southern coast of England and remains under strict surveillance pending further investigation. The UK Ministry of Defence emphasized that the operation was carried out fully in accordance with both domestic and international laws.

This marks the first time Britain has directly targeted any vessel associated with Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet,’ a clandestine network believed to support Moscow’s military efforts. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who recently granted authorities special powers to seize prohibited vessels within UK waters, described the operation as a major blow to Russian efforts and a strong warning that Putin’s war efforts cannot go unnoticed.

“Today’s action sends a clear message: we will not tolerate Russia’s attempts to evade sanctions and sustain its illegal war,” Sunak said. He also praised the bravery of the armed forces and security agencies working tirelessly to keep the UK safe year-round.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace called the operation a crucial step toward weakening Russia’s military infrastructure. He stated that Moscow relies heavily on its shadow fleet to fund its conflict in Ukraine, and this action directly targets those efforts.

So far, the UK has imposed sanctions on approximately 600 vessels linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet, with officials claiming these measures are showing tangible results. The government highlighted a significant decline in Russian oil revenues last year and reaffirmed its commitment to coordinate with allies such as France and the United States to disrupt Moscow’s maritime supply chains supporting its war machine.