Royal Navy special forces intercepted a vessel linked to the network used by Moscow to evade oil sanctions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly thanked the British intervention and called on other European countries to take similar measures against the oil tankers that make up the so-called Russian ghost fleet.
The United Kingdom carried out one of its boldest operations since the start of the war in Ukraine by intercepting and taking control of a tanker belonging to the so-called "ghost fleet" of Russia, a network of vessels used to transport oil and evade sanctions imposed by the West. The action was executed by British Royal Navy commandos in the English Channel and was supported by air, naval, and specialized agents.
The intercepted vessel, identified as Smyrtos, was carrying approximately 705,000 barrels of Russian crude oil and was sailing under the flag of Cameroon. According to British authorities, the vessel was part of the export system that allows Moscow to continue generating revenue despite the international restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
The operation lasted approximately six hours. Royal Marines commandos descended from helicopters onto the deck of the tanker while other naval assets secured the perimeter. Personnel from the National Crime Agency and surveillance aircraft from the Royal Air Force also participated. There was no significant resistance from the crew.
The new UK Secretary of Defense, Dan Jarvis, stated that the action demonstrates Britain's determination to pursue those who help sustain the Kremlin's war machine.
The operation marks an important precedent in the Western strategy against Moscow. Until now, London had primarily participated in surveillance and support tasks, but this is the first time it has directly led the capture of a vessel linked to Russian oil exports.
These operations against Russian oil tankers have previously been carried out by the Armed Forces of the United States, including the tanker "Universal" from the Russian ghost fleet in the Caribbean.
The British decision sends a clear signal: the West is willing to tighten the enforcement of sanctions and act more aggressively against the mechanisms that allow Russia to continue financing the war in Ukraine.
