British armed forces intercepted and boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the Channel in the early hours of Sunday, the prime minister, Keir Starmer, has confirmed. According to the tracking website Marine Traffic, the vessel is now anchored off the coast of Dorset near Weymouth. Authorities said it would be monitored for environmental or safety concerns. The UK says the Smyrtos is one of 700 vessels in a shadow fleet responsible for carrying 75% of Russia’s oil exports, which are under international sanctions. The fleet provides Russia with what analysts say is a critical lifeline, allowing oil to be sold and funds generated to continue its war against Ukraine
British armed forces intercept Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in Channel
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Source: The Guardian