UK boards Russian sanctions-busting tanker in English Channel
Why it matters: The six-hour operation marks Britain's first such seizure effort and targets oil shipments funding Russia's war in Ukraine.
British forces boarded a sanctioned oil tanker tied to Russia's shadow fleet in the English Channel early June 14, in what the government described as the first UK-led operation of its kind. Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officers boarded the vessel, SMYRTOS, with support from Chinook helicopters and the frigate HMS Sutherland. The tanker is being moved to an anchorage off England's south coast for monitoring. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he directed the operation, which Britain carried out in coordination with France. London has expanded powers to board and seize shadow-fleet vessels as it tries to disrupt sanctions evasion and curb revenue that helps finance Russia's invasion of Ukraine.