British forces have intercepted and boarded a sanctioned oil tanker believed to be part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet during a major operation in the English Channel, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday.
The operation, which lasted approximately six hours, involved Royal Marine Commandos, specialist officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA), and support from the Royal Air Force. It marked the first time UK authorities have boarded a sanctioned vessel linked to Russia while transiting through British waters.
According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the tanker, identified as Smyrtos, has been detained and will remain under close monitoring off England’s southern coast while investigations continue.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the mission as a significant step in efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia.
“This successful operation delivers another blow to Russia and sends a clear message to those helping finance Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot operate with impunity,” he said.
Maritime tracking data indicates that the vessel is currently anchored off the coast of Weymouth in southern England and is sailing under the flag of Cameroon. The tanker departed from Russia’s Ust-Luga oil terminal near St. Petersburg on 5 June before entering the English Channel over the weekend.
The vessel was sanctioned in July 2025 and has since undergone several changes, including a new name and multiple flag registrations. Previously known as Myrtos, it was later renamed Smyrtos.
Western governments have accused Russia of using a vast “shadow fleet” of tankers to circumvent international sanctions imposed on its oil exports. According to British authorities, the network consists of more than 700 vessels and is responsible for transporting a large share of Russia’s sanctioned oil shipments.
The UK government has intensified efforts to target these operations as part of broader measures aimed at reducing Moscow’s oil revenues and limiting funding for its military activities in Ukraine.
Earlier this year, the British government expanded the powers of its armed forces, allowing them to board sanctioned vessels passing through UK territorial waters. Authorities say more than 500 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet have already been sanctioned by the United Kingdom.
These sanctions prohibit affected ships from entering British ports and prevent UK-based companies and individuals from providing insurance, financial services or brokerage support to vessels involved in transporting Russian oil.
The interception comes amid renewed debate over Britain’s defence spending plans. The government is preparing to publish its long-awaited Defence Investment Plan ahead of the upcoming NATO summit.
Recent days have seen high-profile resignations within the defence establishment. Former Defence Secretary John Healey stepped down after expressing concerns that proposed military spending levels would not adequately address the country’s security needs. Armed Forces Minister Al Carns also resigned, arguing that the defence strategy lacked sufficient ambition and financial backing.
Speaking to the BBC, Carns explained that the operation likely involved military personnel approaching the tanker at low altitude before boarding and securing the vessel within British waters.
He suggested that similar operations could take place in the future if opportunities arise, following the successful interception of the tanker.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the mission involved support from RAF maritime surveillance aircraft, as well as the Royal Navy vessels HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.
British officials also highlighted close coordination with France during the operation. The cooperation follows recent joint efforts by both countries to monitor and disrupt vessels suspected of helping Russia bypass international sanctions.
The UK government maintains that targeting the shadow fleet remains a key component of its strategy to restrict Russia’s energy revenues and increase pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine.
About the author
UK Boards Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker
British forces have intercepted and boarded a sanctioned oil tanker believed to be part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet during a major operation in the English Channel, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday. The operation, which lasted approximately six hours, involved Royal Marine Commandos, specialist officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA), and support from the Royal Air Force. It marked the first time UK authorities have boarded a sanctioned vessel linked to Russia while transiting through British waters. According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the tanker, identified as Smyrtos, has been detained and will remain under close monitoring off England’s southern coast while investigations continue. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the mission as a significant step in efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia. “This successful operation delivers another blow to Russia and sends a clear message to […]
US and Iran Move Closer to Major Agreement
The United States and Iran appear to be moving closer to a major agreement aimed at easing months of military tensions between the two countries. President Donald Trump announced that a formal deal could be signed on Sunday, although Iranian officials have expressed caution regarding the timeline. In a message shared on social media, Trump stated that the agreement was expected to be finalized soon. He also said that the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes for oil and natural gas, would be reopened to all maritime traffic immediately after the deal takes effect. Pakistan, which has played a mediation role in the negotiations, also expressed optimism about the progress made. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a final agreement could be concluded within 24 hours and noted that preparations were underway for an electronic signing […]
Un nouvel ambassadeur du Brésil prend fonction au Togo
Le ministre togolais des Affaires étrangères, Robert Dussey, a reçu samedi la copie figurée des lettres de créance de Luiz Ivaldo Villafañe Gomes Santos, nommé nouvel ambassadeur du Brésil auprès de la République togolaise. Cette démarche protocolaire marque une étape importante dans la prise de fonctions du diplomate brésilien à Lomé. Elle précède la présentation officielle de ses lettres de créance au chef de l’État, conformément aux usages diplomatiques. L’arrivée du nouvel ambassadeur s’inscrit dans la dynamique de coopération entretenue entre le Togo et le Brésil depuis plusieurs années. Les deux pays collaborent dans divers domaines et affichent leur volonté de renforcer davantage leurs relations bilatérales. À travers cette nomination, Brasília réaffirme son engagement à consolider les liens d’amitié et de partenariat avec le Togo, notamment dans les secteurs présentant un intérêt commun pour les deux nations. Les autorités togolaises […]
FOODIES 228 lance la vente directe de produits locaux
La plateforme FOODIES 228, portée par une coopérative féminine engagée dans la valorisation des produits locaux, a lancé une nouvelle initiative visant à rapprocher les consommateurs des produits transformés au Togo. Dans le cadre de cette démarche, la coopérative prévoit d’organiser chaque mois des journées d’exposition et de vente dans différentes administrations, entreprises et institutions à travers le pays. L’objectif est de promouvoir la consommation locale tout en offrant une meilleure visibilité aux produits issus de la transformation agroalimentaire nationale. Pour cette première opération, les membres de FOODIES 228 ont installé leur espace de vente au sein de la Direction du conditionnement des produits (DCP), située dans la zone portuaire de Lomé. L’initiative bénéficie du soutien du Comité de coordination pour les filières café et cacao (CCFCC), qui accompagne les actions destinées à renforcer la promotion des produits locaux et […]
Le Togo investit 641 millions FCFA dans l’aquaculture
Le gouvernement togolais poursuit ses efforts pour développer le secteur aquacole avec le lancement de la deuxième phase du projet national de développement de l’aquaculture. Un investissement de 641 millions de francs CFA est prévu pour renforcer les infrastructures de production et soutenir la croissance durable de la filière. Cette nouvelle étape vise à accroître les capacités de production piscicole du pays tout en améliorant l’organisation du secteur afin de répondre à la demande croissante en produits halieutiques. Dans le cadre du projet, quatre retenues d’eau seront aménagées dans le village de Hountowou, situé dans la préfecture du Bas-Mono. Ces infrastructures couvriront une superficie totale de 15,53 hectares et devraient offrir de nouvelles opportunités aux producteurs locaux. Grâce à sa proximité avec le fleuve Mono, le Bas-Mono est considéré comme une zone stratégique pour le développement des activités aquacoles. Les […]
La LTPE inspecte 315 écoles du Grand Lomé
À l’approche de la Journée de l’enfant africain, célébrée chaque année le 16 juin, les initiatives se multiplient au Togo pour améliorer le bien-être des élèves dans les établissements scolaires. Cette année, la commémoration est placée sous le thème : « Garantir l’accès universel à l’eau, à l’assainissement et à l’hygiène pour chaque enfant en Afrique ». Un sujet qui met en lumière l’importance des infrastructures sanitaires dans le développement et la protection des enfants. Dans ce contexte, la Ligue togolaise pour la protection de l’enfant (LTPE) a lancé une opération d’évaluation des infrastructures d’eau, d’hygiène et d’assainissement dans 315 établissements scolaires du Grand Lomé. Cette mission vise à dresser un état des lieux des équipements existants afin d’identifier les insuffisances et les besoins prioritaires. Les résultats de cette inspection devraient permettre de proposer des mesures concrètes pour la réhabilitation […]
Related
US and Iran Move Closer to Major Agreement
The United States and Iran appear to be moving closer to a major agreement aimed at easing months of military tensions between the two countries. President Donald Trump announced that a formal deal could be signed on Sunday, although Iranian officials have expressed caution regarding the timeline. In a message shared on social media, Trump stated that the agreement was expected to be finalized soon. He also said that the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes for oil and natural gas, would be reopened to all maritime traffic immediately after the deal takes effect. Pakistan, which has played a mediation role in the negotiations, also expressed optimism about the progress made. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a final agreement could be concluded within 24 hours and noted that preparations were underway for an electronic signing […]
US Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday as Hormuz reopens
US President Donald Trump has announced that a deal between the United States and Iran is set to be finalized on Sunday, and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen right after the agreement is signed. Pakistan, which has been mediating the talks, said a final agreed-upon text of a US-Iran peace deal has been reached, with only next steps needing clarification. The deal is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, extend the current ceasefire, and begin negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme. Under the terms of the proposed deal, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to shipping, returning to the situation that existed before the US and Israel launched their recent military action against Iran. The ceasefire is expected to continue for a further 60 days, with conflict ending across multiple fronts including Lebanon. The proposed memorandum of understanding […]
US and Iran to sign peace deal Sunday as Strait of Hormuz opens
The United States and Iran are close to signing a landmark peace memorandum that could mark a major breakthrough in relations between the two nations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been mediating the talks, announced that a final agreed-upon text of the peace deal has been reached, with only the next steps needing clarification. The deal is expected to be signed on Sunday, June 14, 2026, with Geneva emerging as the most likely venue for the signing. US President Donald Trump has said that a deal between the United States and Iran is scheduled to be signed tomorrow, and that immediately after the agreement is signed, the Strait of Hormuz will be "open to all." The deal is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, extend the current ceasefire, and begin negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme. Under the […]
Trump’s name removed from Washington arts centre after court order
President Donald Trump's name has been taken down from the front of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., following a federal court order. Workers began removing the name early Saturday morning, less than six months after it was first installed on the historic venue. The work started around 1:20 a.m. local time, hours after the Department of Justice said the government would miss a court-ordered deadline to take Mr Trump's name off the building. A U.S. District Court judge ruled last month that adding Trump's name to the facade of the Kennedy Center was unlawful, because the institution cannot be renamed without approval from Congress. Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the removal by Friday, June 12, 2026. Crews set up scaffolding on Friday, but thunderstorms delayed the work until early Saturday. Workers covered the scaffolding with plastic […]
Trump confirms World Cup 2026 attendance but will not attend US opening match in Los Angeles
President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but has indicated he will not be present at the United States opening match in Los Angeles. The World Cup tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with Mexico facing South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The United States will play its first match against Paraguay on June 12, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Trump had previously said to reporters that he would attend the first match in the new stadium with his children, but later changed his plans regarding the opening game. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 16 venues throughout the three countries. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, […]
Netanyahu says he and Trump fully agree Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that he and US President Donald Trump are in complete agreement on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Netanyahu made the statement on Friday in a message released by his office following a phone call with Trump about potential negotiations with Iran. "As long as I am Prime Minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said. "There is full agreement between President Trump and me on this issue." Netanyahu emphasized that he has led the international fight against Iran's nuclear programs for more than three decades. He stated that without this struggle, Iran would have obtained nuclear bombs long ago to destroy Israel. He also said that Iran is working to destroy the Jewish state and that he has dedicated his life to preventing them from doing so. While Israel […]
Be the first to leave a comment