The UK government has defended its seizure of a Russian-linked oil tanker in the English Channel after President Vladimir Putin threatened to retaliate against Western countries involved in such operations.
Royal Marines boarded and intercepted the MT Smyrtos in June in an operation aimed at disrupting Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions on oil exports.
The tanker’s captain, Ajay Pant, has been charged with breaching Russian sanctions by allegedly supplying or delivering prohibited Russian oil.
Putin, speaking during Russian naval exercises in the Pacific, condemned the seizure of Russian vessels as “piracy and banditry” and warned that Moscow would “respond in kind” if Western countries continued the practice.
The UK Ministry of Defence said the operation was conducted in accordance with international law and accused Russia’s shadow fleet of helping finance its war in Ukraine.
The European Union also rejected Putin’s warning, saying it would continue efforts to restrict Russia’s ability to generate revenue through its shadow fleet.
More than 630 vessels are currently under EU sanctions, while nine suspected shadow fleet tankers have reportedly been seized around the EU since the beginning of 2026.
