image sourced from original article at British forces joined the French Navy in intercepting and seizing the MV Deyna, a sanctioned Russian oil tanker accused of operating as part of Moscow’s so called shadow fleet in the Mediterranean. The vessel, suspected of flying a false flag, is accused of helping Russia bypass international sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine.
The French Navy led the operation, supported by the Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Cutlass, which provided tracking and surveillance near the Strait of Gibraltar. Both London and Paris said targeting these ships is vital to cutting off funding for Russia’s war effort, with leaders pledging continued action against vessels that evade sanctions and maritime law.
The seizure marks the latest in a series of joint operations involving the United Kingdom and its allies against sanctioned tankers. However, the move comes amid criticism over the Royal Navy’s readiness and limited resources, with several mine countermeasure vessels currently out of service and concerns raised about Britain’s broader naval capabilities during rising global tensions.
