Royal Marine commandos successfully carried out a daring operation by boarding a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the English Channel, announced the Prime Minister, emphasizing that Putin’s allies will not be able to evade scrutiny. The covert vessel named Smyrtos was seized and is now being relocated to an anchorage off England’s south coast for monitoring of any potential environmental or safety risks.

Sir Keir Starmer commended the armed forces and law enforcement officers for their continuous efforts in safeguarding the country, underscoring the impact of the operation on Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis highlighted the professionalism and courage displayed during the mission, emphasizing the blow dealt to Putin’s illicit activities in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence revealed that the operation, despite Russia’s attempts to circumvent sanctions, was executed with the support of various aircraft and naval vessels. By disrupting the shadow fleet, the UK and its allies are directly impeding Russia’s ability to sustain aggression, particularly in Ukraine, where the shadow fleet plays a crucial role in funding conflict activities.

The UK’s proactive stance in sanctioning vessels linked to the shadow fleet has already yielded results, with a significant decline in Russia’s oil and gas revenues. This latest intervention sends a strong message to Russia that the UK will utilize all available legal measures to enforce sanctions and ensure national security.