UK comes up with way to help Ukraine at Russia’s expense - The Telegraph
Photo: Russian oil from the tanker Smirtos will be used to finance Ukraine (Getty Images)
The United Kingdom plans to auction off oil from the seized Russian shadow tanker Smirtos to raise funds for Ukraine’s war effort, The Telegraph informs.
Details of the plan and cargo value
According to the outlet, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering the sale of 98,000 tonnes of Russian Urals crude oil. The market value of the cargo is estimated at around £35 million (over $44 million).
Since the vessel violated sanctions legislation, British officials believe the seized oil now legally belongs to the United Kingdom.
Two options are currently being considered for the use of the proceeds:
- A direct transfer of funds to Ukraine
- Financing military equipment and supplies for the front line.
An alternative option is also being discussed — processing the fuel domestically for the UK’s internal energy supply. However, a mechanism for transferring the oil from the state to private energy companies has not yet been defined.
Vessel seizure and captain’s arrest
The Russian tanker Smirtos was detained in the English Channel on June 14, 2026, with the involvement of the Royal Marines. The vessel is currently anchored off the coast of Weymouth under the control of the UK Ministry of Defense.
After the National Crime Agency's investigation is completed, the ship is expected to be released and allowed to return to Russia.
At the same time, the ship’s captain, an Indian national named Ajay Pant, has been charged with intentionally evading sanctions and illegally transporting Russian petroleum products.
He will remain in custody until a court hearing scheduled for July 16. The defense argues that the captain was merely following orders and did not control the route.
UK officials stress that the operation is only the beginning of a broader campaign against Russia’s shadow fleet. The situation is further complicated by the fact that some Russian tankers in the English Channel are escorted by Russian warships, which hinders their direct seizure.
Interception of Russia’s shadow fleet vessels
European countries have recently significantly increased pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet, which attempts to bypass international maritime restrictions.
In particular, French naval forces detained the oil tanker Deliver off the coast of Sicily, after it was found to be operating in violation of maritime law.
As French President Emmanuel Macron stated, Europe is closing maritime loopholes for Russian oil thanks to a united and decisive stance by its allies.
This became possible after the EU Council decided to expand the mandate of the IRINI naval mission in the Mediterranean.
At the time, the relevant authorities also clarified how measures against Russia’s shadow fleet vessels would be enforced, and why military personnel are now allowed to board suspected tankers even without the consent of their captains.
