British forces seized a sanctioned Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel on June 14, 2026, disrupting Russia's war financing in Ukraine. The operation was the first of its kind by UK forces involving Royal Marines and National Crime Agency officials. The tanker was detained near the southern coast of England for inspections. Prime Minister Starmer and Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned Russia's use of such tankers to fund aggression.

On June 14, 2026, British Armed Forces intercepted and seized a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker sailing under the flag of Cameroon in the English Channel (La Manche). The operation involved British special forces from the Royal Marines, specialist law enforcement from the National Crime Agency, air support from naval helicopters and aircraft, and naval vessels. The tanker was boarded in accordance with UK national and international law as part of efforts to enforce sanctions against Russia amid the war in Ukraine. The vessel was taken to an anchorage near the southern coast of England for inspection and compliance checks on environmental and safety regulations. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly confirmed the operation and framed it as a blow against Russian attempts to finance the war in Ukraine. The UK Ministry of Defence released video evidence showing the boarding and search. The operation was coordinated in close cooperation with France who have conducted similar actions. The Russian embassy in London did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to the UK and called for stronger legislative measures to allow seizure and restriction of oil shipments by the shadow fleet that fuels Russia's war machine. The UK has sanctioned nearly 600 vessels within the shadow fleet, which is responsible for transporting 75% of Russian oil under sanction. This fleet constitutes a crucial economic and military resource for the Kremlin.