British armed forces intercept Russian shadow fleet vessel in high-stakes channel operation

United Kingdom Prime minister, Keir Starmer reportedly confirmed that British forces seized a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the Channel in the early hours of Sunday.

This is the UK’s first operation of its kind. The Ministry of Defense said Royal Marine commandos and trained law enforcement officers from the National Crime Agency intercepted a sanctioned oil tanker during a six-hour operation.

Starmer said in a statement: “This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fuelling (President Vladimir) Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide. “I want to pay tribute to all those involved, including our armed forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

According to the Ministry of Defense, the vessel will be monitored off the south coast as investigations remain active; meanwhile the statement added that the enforcement action in Britain’s territorial waters was in accordance with domestic and international law.

The MOD further clarified that the operation was supported by aircraft from the Maritime Air Group-an RAF P-8 aircraft, and HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury.

In this connection, defense 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,” further added.