Britain responded to Putin's threats over the seizure of a shadow fleet tanker
The British government stated that the seizure of the oil tanker MT Smyrtos—which a BBC report referred to as a vessel belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet”—was carried out in accordance with international law. The statement came after Vladimir Putin, president of Russia—the aggressor state—threatened to respond with similar actions.
In June, British Royal Marines intercepted and boarded the Smyrtos in the English Channel. Following the operation, the vessel was towed to an anchorage near Weymouth. The tanker’s captain, Ajay Pant, has been charged with violating sanctions: he is accused of directly or indirectly supplying or delivering prohibited Russian oil.
During Russian Navy exercises in the Pacific Ocean, Putin stated that Western countries are seizing Russian ships and called such actions piracy and banditry. He also said that Russia could respond not only in the waters where operations against its ships are planned, but anywhere Moscow deems necessary.
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Viktor Liina, commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet, accused the United Kingdom and France of operating their own “shadow fleets.” He stated that Russia has the ability to inspect and detain vessels of “unfriendly states” and their “shadow fleets.”
Officials in London emphasized that British military and law enforcement personnel acted in full compliance with international law. A government spokesperson stated that the United Kingdom is countering shadow fleet vessels and their maritime activities, which, according to British authorities, support Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to the UK Ministry of Defense, Russia has more than 700 vessels in its shadow fleet, which transport 75% of Russian oil subject to sanctions. Starting in 2024, the EU will impose sanctions against certain such vessels. As of mid-August 2026, more than 630 vessels were subject to restrictions and prohibited from entering EU ports. Since the beginning of the year, nine tankers suspected of circumventing sanctions have been seized in the EU.
