Royal Marine commandos executed a raid on a Russian shadow fleet vessel in the English Channel, the Prime Minister announced, emphasizing that Putin’s allies will not escape scrutiny. The operation, a rare six-hour endeavor, took place in the early hours of the morning. The vessel, named Smyrtos, will be temporarily relocated to an anchorage off the southern coast of England for monitoring of environmental and safety considerations.
In response, Sir Keir Starmer stated, “This operation deals a significant blow to Russia and serves as a stern reminder to those supporting Putin’s actions in Ukraine that they cannot avoid accountability.” He commended the armed forces and law enforcement for their continuous efforts in safeguarding the nation.
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis praised the skill, professionalism, and bravery demonstrated during the mission, highlighting its impact on disrupting Russia’s funding of the conflict in Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence reported that despite Russia’s attempts to circumvent sanctions, the operation successfully intervened in their support of the ongoing conflict.
The operation, supported by various aircraft and naval vessels, was a collaborative effort with international allies to intercept shadow fleet vessels aiding Russia’s aggressive activities. By impeding the shadow fleet, the UK and its partners aim to diminish Russia’s capacity to threaten European security. The shadow fleet, responsible for transporting a significant portion of Russia’s sanctioned oil, sustains the Kremlin’s war efforts in Ukraine.
The UK’s proactive stance against the shadow fleet, with over 500 vessels already sanctioned, has yielded tangible results, leading to a reduction in Russia’s oil and gas revenues. This recent operation sends a clear message to Russia that the UK is committed to utilizing all available legal measures to enforce sanctions and protect national security.