Story perspectives

UK Seizes Russian-linked Oil Tanker in Channel Raid

6/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

United Kingdom forces intercepted the oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel on Sunday.
Commandos and National Crime Agency officers boarded the vessel in a raid backed by RAF P-8 aircraft.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the raid strikes Russia and warned war funders.
Attorney General Richard Hermer pledged to pursue Russia’s shadow fleet under international law.
President Emmanuel Macron said French forces intercepted a sanctioned tanker on 1 June.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014 Russia annexed Crimea, prompting the EU and the United Kingdom to impose sanctions on Russian oil and shipping firms. Those measures aimed at Russian-linked tankers and froze assets of officials. In 2024 Starmer’s government and France’s Macron coordinated RAF P-8 and NCA raids on the Smyrtos and another sanctioned vessel, reinforcing the 2014 sanctions regime.

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Story summary

United Kingdom forces intercepted the oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel on Sunday.
Commandos and National Crime Agency officers boarded the vessel in a raid backed by RAF P-8 aircraft.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the raid strikes Russia and warned war funders.
Attorney General Richard Hermer pledged to pursue Russia’s shadow fleet under international law.
President Emmanuel Macron said French forces intercepted a sanctioned tanker on 1 June.

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