UK PM Starmer says British armed forces intercepted Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel

3 min readUpdated: Jun 14, 2026 01:39 PM IST

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions in parliament in London (AP Photo)

British Prime Minister Keir ​Starmer, on Sunday (Jun 14), said that he had directed the UK Armed Forces to intercept a shadow fleet oil tanker in the early hours of this morning as it attempted to pass through the English Channel.

Describing the mission as a success, Starmer said the operation dealt another setback to Russia and sent a message to those fueling Moscow’s aggression against Kyiv.

“In the early hours of this morning, I directed our Armed Forces to intercept a shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to pass through the English Channel,” Starmer said in a post on X.

“This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide. I want to thank those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he added.

In the early hours of this morning, I directed our Armed Forces to intercept a shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to pass through the English Channel.

This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not…

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 14, 2026

Enforcement action conducted in accordance with domestic and international law

Britain’s Ministry of Defence said that the vessel SMYRTOS was boarded by Royal Marine Commandos and specially trained law enforcement officers ⁠from the National Crime ​Agency during a six-hour operation.

The ministry said the oil tanker will be held off the south coast as investigations continue, adding that the enforcement action, carried out within British territorial waters, was conducted in accordance with both domestic and international law.

It stated the operation was supported by aircraft from the Maritime Air Group, including Chinook, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters, as well as an RAF P-8 aircraft. The naval support was provided by HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.

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The defence secretary, Dan Jarvis, said, “Operations like this require skill, professionalism and courage. I pay tribute to our armed forces personnel and all those involved.

“Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war.”

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