Britain has declared it will persist in deterring Russia's "shadow fleet" after President Vladimir Putin threatened to retaliate against UK vessels if Western nations seize more tankers carrying Russian oil. The UK government stated its actions are lawful and aimed at disrupting illicit maritime activity fueling Russia's war in Ukraine.
Putin, speaking while overseeing Russian navy drills in the Pacific Ocean, accused Western countries of "seizing our vessels," labeling such actions as "nothing other than piracy and banditry." He warned that Russia would "respond in kind" if Western nations move forward with plans to seize more tankers, stating the response would be "anywhere" Russia deems it necessary.
In June, British forces seized the oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel, an operation described as a first-of-its-kind action. Royal Marines Commandos boarded the vessel, which was later taken to an anchorage off Weymouth. The ship's captain, Ajay Pant, has been charged with breaching Russian sanctions for allegedly supplying Russian oil.
A spokesperson for the UK government asserted that Britain's armed forces and law-enforcement officers boarded the Smyrtos "in full accordance with international law." The spokesperson added that, unlike Russia's shadow fleet, "UK armed forces and commercial vessels operate firmly in line with international maritime law." The UK Ministry of Defence estimates Russia operates a "shadow fleet" of over 700 vessels responsible for transporting 75 percent of the country's sanctioned oil, which is considered a critical lifeline for funding Russia's war in Ukraine.
Royal Navy warships and helicopters have increased monitoring of Russian activity. Efforts to monitor Russian activity in UK waters and the North Atlantic were up 25 percent in the first seven months of the year compared to 2025. During July, Royal Navy warships and helicopters spent 21 days on operations. The June 14 operation involving the Smyrtos included commandos fast-roping from helicopters, supported by HMS Sutherland, HMS Ledbury, and RAF aircraft.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its efforts to counter Russia's naval presence. Ukraine launched a significant assault on Russia's Black Sea fleet, targeting its naval base at Novorossiysk. Ukrainian officials describe this as a "unique" nighttime operation. Drones developed by Kyiv have repeatedly targeted Russian ships in the Black Sea since the invasion began. Ukraine's uncrewed fleet has reportedly limited the movements of Russia's Black Sea navy. Ukrainian intelligence reports suggest Putin is planning an additional rapid mobilization of several hundred thousand Russians by the end of the year.
The attack on Novorossiysk struck air defenses, piers, and other port infrastructure. Regional officials reported that hundreds of Ukrainian drones attacked Novorossiysk, Anapa, and Gelendzhik, as well as the Temryuk district. Russia's Ministry of Defence stated that its air defenses downed over 500 Ukrainian drones. The attacks resulted in civilian casualties, including a child killed and other injuries. Debris from downed drones reportedly fell on industrial plants and residential buildings, though specific damage details were not provided.