The United Kingdom has formally defended its decision to seize the MT Smyrtos, a Russian oil tanker linked to the so-called shadow fleet. The vessel was intercepted in the English Channel by Royal Marine Commandos in June as part of an effort to disrupt sanctioned trade. It is currently being held near Weymouth.
Captain Ajay Pant faces charges related to the illegal delivery and supply of Russian oil, which violates existing international sanctions. The operation, which was the first of its kind, has drawn harsh criticism from Russian President Vladimir Putin. During a review of naval drills in the Pacific, Putin labeled the move as piracy and threatened that Russia would retaliate against Western ships anywhere in the world.
Viktor Liina, the Russian Pacific Fleet commander, echoed these threats, asserting that Russia maintains the ability to inspect and detain vessels from nations it considers unfriendly. However, British officials maintain that the boarding of the Smyrtos was executed in strict adherence to international maritime law. A government representative stated that the UK is actively working to deter shadow fleet operations, which provide essential financial support for Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defence reports that Russia utilizes a clandestine fleet of approximately 700 ships to move three-quarters of its sanctioned oil. In conjunction with international efforts, the European Union has sanctioned over 630 such vessels as of mid-August 2026, prohibiting them from entering EU ports to prevent the circumvention of energy restrictions established after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
