British military intercepts a Russian "shadow fleet" tanker
Xinhua News Agency, London, June 14 (Reporter Gao Wencheng) - British Prime Minister Starmer stated on the 14th that the British armed forces intercepted a sanctioned Russian "shadow fleet" tanker in the English Channel early that morning. The UK Ministry of Defence revealed that this is the first time the UK has led an interception operation against such vessels.
On the same day, the UK Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying that during an operation lasting about 6 hours, British military personnel boarded the tanker. Patrol aircraft, helicopters, and warships provided support during the operation. The tanker will be temporarily moved to an anchorage near the southern coast of England and will be monitored during the investigation.
Starmer said on social media that this move "strikes back at Russia once again." The UK Ministry of Defence disclosed that the operation was carried out in close coordination with France.
French President Macron posted on social media on June 1 that the French Navy intercepted a tanker coming from Russia in the Atlantic Ocean on May 31, with cooperation from several partner countries, including the UK. Russian presidential spokesman Peskov stated that the French military's seizure of the Russian tanker is illegal, and such actions are "almost akin to international piracy."
British Armed Forces intercepted a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the English Channel on June 14, 2023. This marked the first UK-led operation against such vessels, lasting approximately six hours, during which military personnel boarded the tanker. The operation involved support from patrol aircraft, helicopters, and warships, and was conducted in close coordination with France.
- UK Armed Forces intercepted a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in the English Channel.
- This is the first operation led by the UK against such vessels.
- The operation lasted approximately 6 hours and involved boarding the tanker.
- Support was provided by patrol aircraft, helicopters, and warships.
- The operation was conducted in close coordination with France.