UK Seizes Russian Tanker in English Channel, Testing a New Sanctions Tactic

Royal Marines seized the sanctioned tanker Smyrtos on 14 June—the UK's first physical interception of a Russian shadow fleet vessel in its waters. The move exploits international maritime law allowing coastal states to enforce sanctions. Most allies rely instead on pressuring ports and insurers. Whether this approach survives legal challenge could reshape how the West tackles sanctions evasion.