UK defends seizure of shadow fleet tanker after Putin threat

The UK government has defended its decision to seize a Russian-linked “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the English Channel after President Vladimir Putin warned that Moscow could retaliate against Western countries targeting its vessels.

UK defends tanker operation

The tanker Smyrtos has been anchored off Weymouth since Royal Marines commandos intercepted and boarded the vessel in June. The operation was the first of its kind by Britain aimed at disrupting a sanctioned tanker.

The vessel’s captain, Ajay Pant, has been charged with breaching Russian sanctions. He is accused of directly or indirectly supplying or delivering prohibited Russian oil.

The British government said the operation was carried out legally and in accordance with international maritime rules.

Putin issues warning

Putin criticised Western countries while overseeing Russian navy exercises in the Pacific Ocean. He described the seizure of Russian-linked vessels as “piracy and banditry” and warned that Moscow would respond if further ships were targeted.

“If these plans are put into practice, we will have to respond in kind,” Putin said.

He added that any response would not necessarily take place in the same waters where Russian vessels were targeted, suggesting that Moscow could act elsewhere.

Viktor Liina, commander of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, also accused Britain, France and other Western nations of operating their own “shadow fleets”.

Britain rejects Russian claims

In response, the UK government said its forces had acted within international law.

A government spokesperson said Britain was working to disrupt shadow fleet vessels and the maritime activities supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence estimates that Russia operates more than 700 vessels in its shadow fleet, which it says carries about 75% of the country’s sanctioned oil exports.

Western governments accuse these vessels of using complicated ownership arrangements and other methods to hide their Russian connections and avoid sanctions.

Pressure on Russia increases

The Smyrtos remains detained at a port near Weymouth and is being monitored by British authorities. The ship’s owner remains responsible for maintaining the vessel and supplying its crew.

Twenty-two of the original 25 crew members were repatriated in July.

Putin’s warning comes as the European Union continues to increase pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet. More than 630 vessels have been sanctioned by the EU as of mid-August 2026, preventing them from accessing EU ports.

Several European countries have also detained or boarded Russian-linked vessels suspected of violating sanctions.

Since the beginning of the year, nine shadow fleet tankers suspected of evading sanctions have been seized around the EU.

Shadow fleet remains a major concern

The shadow fleet has become an important part of Russia’s strategy for continuing oil exports despite Western sanctions imposed after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Western governments say restricting these vessels is essential to limiting Moscow’s ability to generate revenue from oil exports.

The UK’s seizure of the Smyrtos, however, has now raised concerns about whether further action against Russia’s shadow fleet could trigger a wider confrontation at sea.