U.K. forces intercept a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel

British forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker on Sunday morning, its Ministry of Defence said, in the latest effort to disrupt Moscow’s sanctions-evasion network.

LONDON — British forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker on Sunday morning, its Ministry of Defense said, in the latest effort to disrupt Moscow’s sanctions-evasion network.

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Russia’s shadow fleet of more than 700 vessels is estimated to transport around 75% of the country’s sanctioned oil exports, providing a critical financial lifeline for the Kremlin and helping fund the missiles and drones used in its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“This operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine that they cannot hide,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.