The UK Ministry of Defence announced that Royal Marine Commandos seized the tanker SMYRTOS in the English Channel, marking the UK’s first independently led operation against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.

The vessel is suspected of helping Russia evade sanctions by transporting fuel and generating revenue to support its war in Ukraine.

British officials said the operation, conducted with French coordination, dealt a significant blow to Russia’s war economy and its ability to threaten European security.

The seizure follows new UK legislation allowing authorities to board and confiscate sanctioned vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, the DW has reported.

Ukrainian leaders welcomed the action, arguing that targeting these ships reduces funding for Russia’s military operations and brings peace closer.