Kyiv Reacts to the Detention of a Russian Tanker
Following an unprecedented operation by the United Kingdom's armed forces, which led to the capture of the sanctioned Russian oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha issued an official response. He urged the international community to intensify pressure on Russia’s supply chains, stressing that such measures are critical to cutting off funding for Moscow’s aggression.
The operation took place on the night of June 14, 2026, and was carried out by British forces alongside agents from the National Crime Agency (NCA). Sybiha described Russia’s shadow fleet as a weapon of war, noting that every vessel intercepted reduces the financial resources available to the Kremlin’s military machine.
“Blocking these revenues helps limit Russia’s ability to fund missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities,” Sybiha stated.
The Urgent Need to Maintain Pressure on Russia
Ukraine’s top diplomat also emphasized the importance of sustained pressure on Moscow:
“We must continue to tighten the screws and close every loophole that allows Russia to finance its war.”He thanked his British counterpart for the UK’s leadership and decisive action in the matter.
For context, the tanker Smyrtos is part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which is used to transport sanctioned Russian oil and gas.
“These illicit vessels are used to move sanctioned Russian oil and gas around the world, funneling money into Putin’s war machine. We are taking action against this illegal activity in our waters,” said Cooper on social media following the seizure.
The detention of the Smyrtos marks a significant step in efforts to choke off funding for Russia’s war, potentially weakening the Kremlin’s economic leverage. Such operations highlight growing international cooperation in combating illicit trade, which could lead to tighter sanctions against Russia. They also reflect the increasing resolve of Western nations to counter the threat posed by Russian military activities.
In a related development, the coordinated efforts of French and British forces have successfully intercepted another Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic, further highlighting the ongoing international campaign against illegal oil transportation. This operation underscores the commitment of European nations to disrupt Russia's energy supply chains and limit its military funding. For more details on this significant interception, read about the recent capture of a Russian vessel in the Atlantic.