British authorities intercepted today (6/14) oil tanker belonging to the Russian “shadow fleet,” which was attempting to pass through the English Channel, in a move with significant geopolitical implications.

According to a statement from the British Ministry of Defense, the target of the operation was the tanker “SMYRTOS”. The operation involved British Royal Navy commandos, along with specially trained officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The ship remains off the southern coast of Britain, while investigations by the relevant authorities continue.

The British Ministry of Defense stated that the authorities’ actions took place within British territorial waters and were based on both domestic legislation and international law.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he had given the order to intercept the ship in a post on X. “This successful operation deals another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.”