Six Russian ships flee Channel in 77 minutes after UK seizes Putin shadow tanker:
Oil tankers linked to Moscow have made dramatic U-turns to avoid the English ...
inews.co.uk/news/six-russian-ships-flee-channel-uk-seizes-putin-shadow-tanker-4477390
Photo: inews.co.uk · view article
Russian Tankers Divert After UK Seizes Shadow Fleet ShipSix sanctioned vessels reversed course within 77 minutes after UK forces boarded a Russian tanker carrying 700,000 barrels of crude oil.
Key FactsJun 14, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: inews.co.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: inews.co.uk
- Six Russian-flagged vessels on the sanctions list abruptly changed direction following the UK’s seizure of the tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel.
- The six-hour operation involved Royal Marine commandos and National Crime Agency officers boarding the Smyrtos, which held oil valued at £45 million.
- The mission aimed to disrupt Russia’s oil revenue stream, estimated at £654 billion since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Shadow fleet tankers use opaque ownership and flags of convenience, raising concerns about maritime safety and environmental hazards in the busy Channel waters.
This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling Putin’s war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide.— Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the UK Labour Party, said this after Britain's operation against the shadow fleet in UK waters.
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Six Russian ships flee Channel in 77 minutes after UK seizes Putin shadow tanker: Oil tankers linked to Moscow have made dramatic U-turns to avoid the English ...
inews.co.uk/news/six-russian-ships-flee-channel-uk-seizes-putin-shadow-tanker-4477390
Captain of Russian shadow fleet tanker intercepted in Channel charged: An Indian national is charged with contravening sanctions after the tanker was detained.
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2dy47gxxnyo
BBC Jun 14
UK forces board Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel: Royal Marine Commandos and NCA officers boarded the vessel in a six-hour operation in the ...
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyek039l2vo
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Sep 6, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: inews.co.uk
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: inews.co.uk
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