Britain intercepts Russian tanker attempting to breach English Channel as Keir Starmer describes move as 'blow' to Vladimir Putin

The British Armed Forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to pass through the English Channel, Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed. In a statement on X, Sir Keir said he had directed our Armed Forces to intercept the oil tanker. He described the operation as successful and yet another blow to Russia.Sir Keir wrote: In the early hours of this morning, I directed our Armed Forces to intercept a shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to pass through the English Channel. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.I want to thank those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.The operation took place in the early hours of this morning, the MoD has confirmed, which lasted six hours. Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime agents boarded the vessel, called Smyrtos, in the Channel. The vessel will now be held and monitored off the south coast as investigations take place.Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis said: Operations like this require skill, professionalism and courage. I pay tribute to our Armed Forces personnel and all those involved.Russia relies on its shadow fleet to fund their conflict in Ukraine and our interdiction delivers a blow to Putin’s illegal war.The operation was supported by Chinooks, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat helicopters, an RAF P-8 aircraft as well as HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS 'Britain is vulnerable' after Labour 'unwilling' to fund defence, says former defence chiefEx-Army Officer calls on generals to 'stand down' in protest against Keir StarmerJohn Healey and Al Carns praised by ex-Security Minister for 'showing backbone' against Keir StarmerThe MoD confirmed the operation was the first UK-led operation of its kind after Sir Keir agreed in the military and law enforcements can board shadow fleet vessels. Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers attempt to evade sanctions imposed on its exports by having obscure ownership structures. These fleets are responsible for carrying 75 per cent of Russia's sanctioned oil, with the shadow fleet boasting over 700 vessels. It provides a critical lifeline for Russia's war chest. The UK has already sanctioned over 500 of these vessels, with the MoD saying it is working. Russia's oil and gas revenues fell by 24 per cent year-on-year in 2025, the MoD said. In the first quarter of 2025, vessels sanctioned by the UK reduced the amount of oil it was carrying by 1.6billion. Earlier this week, Labour's senior defence politicians walked out en masse. MORE TO FOLLOW... Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter