UK Detains Oil Tanker Linked to Russian Sanctions Violations

LONDON (AP) — Armed British forces boarded and detained a sanctioned tanker on Sunday that is suspected of being part of the Russian 'shadow fleet,' which is allegedly shipping oil in violation of international sanctions related to Moscow’s actions in Ukraine, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Royal Marine commandos rappelled from helicopters onto the vessel, the Smyrtos, in the English Channel, marking what the U.K. Defense Ministry described as 'the first U.K.-led operation of its kind.' The vessel will be held and monitored off the south coast of England for investigation. This operation was conducted in close coordination with French authorities, who have previously intercepted vessels linked to the shadow fleet. Starmer stated that this operation represents a significant action against Russia, emphasizing that those supporting the war in Ukraine cannot evade detection. The Smyrtos, flying a Cameroon flag, departed from the Russian Baltic port of Ust-Luga on June 5, headed for Port Said, Egypt. U.K. authorities indicated that such operations aim to diminish resources that sustain Russia's aggression in Ukraine and enhance security across Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Starmer and the British public for their support, stating that depriving Russia of financial resources is crucial to limiting the war. He also called for European legislative measures to facilitate the detention of tankers and confiscation of their oil.