U.K. forces intercept a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel
7 hours ago
- #Oil Interception
- #Russia Sanctions
- #UK Defense
- British forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker, Smyrtos, in the English Channel.
- Russia's shadow fleet of over 700 vessels transports about 75% of its sanctioned oil exports, funding its war in Ukraine.
- The operation involved Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers, with coordination from French authorities.
- The tanker will be held off England's south coast for investigation.
- Ukraine's President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude, stating that depriving Russia of oil revenue limits the war.
- Britain and France have pledged to obstruct shadow fleet vessels carrying sanctioned Russian oil in their waters.
- The U.K. has sanctioned nearly 600 shadow fleet vessels, and Russia's oil revenues are down 27% from October 2024.
- Recent enforcement includes French interceptions of tankers like Tagor and Grinch, based on intelligence.
- U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey resigned, citing insufficient military spending amid rising threats.
- Prime Minister Starmer aims to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% by 2035.