"This successful operation is another blow to Russia and a reminder to those who support Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide," Starmer wrote.
The operation took place near the southern coast of Britain early Sunday morning, targeting the oil tanker Smyrtos, registered in Cameroon, the BBC reported. Marines and special investigators from British police boarded the ship with support from the air force and several warships.
Oil exports via the so-called shadow fleet are crucial to the Russian economy and thus the war in Ukraine. But European countries have stepped up their efforts against ships suspected of being part of the shadow fleet, and have boarded them on several occasions.
