The British government seized the Cameroon-flagged tanker Smyrtos carrying $40 million worth of Russian crude oil on June 14, 2026. The operation, conducted by Royal Marine Commandos with support from the National Crime Agency and the RAF, marked Britain’s first military enforcement of sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet. The crude oil cargo was ultimately destined for buyers in India, one of the largest purchasers of discounted Russian oil since the invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the seizure « piracy and robbery » on August 12 and threatened to seize British vessels in retaliation. The UK has sanctioned over 550 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, with nearly 200 forced to anchor as a direct result.
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