British Forces Seize Russian Oil Tanker Suspected of Sanctions Violation

London. British security forces have seized a pseudo-named oil tanker suspected of violating sanctions, carrying Russian oil. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called this a significant blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to raise financial resources for the Ukraine war. 'This successful operation has dealt another major blow to Russia and shows our commitment not to let those who support Putin's war hide,' Starmer wrote on social media platform X.

The oil tanker named Smirtaes was carrying approximately seven hundred thousand barrels of Russian oil. The ship, operating under the flag of Cameroon, was en route from Russia's Ust-Luga port to Egypt's Port Said on June 5. According to the British Ministry of Defence, Royal Marines commandos and officials from the National Crime Agency (NCA) boarded the ship early Sunday morning by rappelling from helicopters. Warships, military aircraft, and other naval assets were also deployed in the operation.