British authorities intercept Russian oil tanker in the English Channel

On Sunday, British armed forces intercepted the Russian oil tanker Smyrtos as it attempted to transit the English Channel. The operation was personally authorized by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Royal Marines and officers from the National Crime Agency boarded the vessel to secure it. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the tanker is currently held at an anchorage off the southern coast of England. The vessel will be subjected to close surveillance and a thorough investigation regarding potential security issues and environmental risks. The British government stated that the operation was conducted in accordance with national and international law. Prime Minister Starmer characterized the action as a strike against those supporting the war in Ukraine, while the vessel remains under investigation.