Image Credits: UK Government British forces boarded and intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet in the English Channel on Sunday, marking the first UK-led operation against a vessel accused of helping Moscow bypass Western sanctions on its oil exports. The Cameroon-flagged tanker Smyrtos was boarded in the early hours of the morning by Royal Marine Commandos and officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA). The six-hour operation involved Chinook, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters, an RAF P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, the Royal Navy frigate HMS Sutherland and minehunter HMS Ledbury. The vessel has since been moved to an anchorage off the south coast of England, where it will remain under monitoring as investigations continue. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the operation was aimed at disrupting Russia’s ability to use shadow fleet vessels to generate revenue for its war in Ukraine. “This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide,” Starmer said. According to the UK government, the operation was carried out in international waters and in line with domestic and international law. Shadow Fleet The shadow fleet refers to hundreds of vessels used to transport Russian oil outside traditional Western shipping and insurance systems following sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The UK government estimates the fleet consists of more than 700 vessels and carries around 75% of Russia’s sanctioned oil exports. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said the interception was intended to reduce a key source of funding for Russia’s military operations. “Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war,” Jarvis said. He added that the operation was carried out in close coordination with France and followed previous UK support for