The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom has detained a tanker in the early hours of this Sunday that, according to British authorities, would be part of Russia's alleged "ghost fleet," the network of ships that Moscow would use to evade international sanctions imposed for the war in Ukraine, as it tried to cross the English Channel.
The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has announced this "successful operation" that "deals another blow to Russia and reminds those who fuel (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war in Ukraine that they have nowhere to hide." The leader stressed that the action is part of efforts to strengthen compliance with restrictions against the Kremlin.
The detection and control of this type of vessel has become frequent, especially in Baltic waters, although this is the first time the United Kingdom has led an operation of this nature. Until now, such interventions usually fell to other allied countries.
While awaiting further details on the boarding and the situation of the tanker, Starmer has expressed his recognition to all the personnel involved in the naval operation. For the moment, the Russian government has not offered any official reaction to what happened in the English Channel.