British forces collaborate with the French Navy to intercept and seize the MV Deyna, a sanctioned Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tanker operating under a false flag in the Mediterranean. This fleet transports Russian oil worldwide to bypass sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.
The Interception Operation
The French Navy intercepts the Deyna in the Mediterranean, with HMS Cutlass providing critical support through monitoring, tracking, and imagery near the Strait of Gibraltar. The vessel faces sanctions from the UK and EU for its role in shipping Russian oil.
Official Statements
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasizes the priority of disrupting Russia’s shadow fleet: “Disrupting, deterring and degrading Russia’s shadow fleet – and starving Putin’s war machine of funds – is a priority for this Government and we will continue to take action alongside our allies. As threats increase and demands on defence rise, I am proud of the support our UK armed forces provided to this French operation, keeping Britain safe at home as we support Ukraine, deter Russia and deliver defensive operations in the Middle East.”
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirms commitment: “The war involving Iran will not deflect France from its support for Ukraine, where Russia’s war of aggression continues unabated. These vessels, which evade international sanctions and violate the law of the sea, are profiteers of war. They line their pockets while helping finance Russia’s war effort. We will not allow it.”
Recent Allied Actions
This operation highlights growing UK cooperation with allies. In January, British forces assist the US in seizing the oil tanker Marinera, previously known as Bella-1, in the Atlantic using RAF aircraft and RFA Tideforce. That same month, HMS Dagger supports the French Navy in capturing the Grinch in the western Mediterranean.
UK officials urge more seizures, with the Defence Secretary and Attorney General recently discussing military and legal strategies with international partners.
Naval Preparedness Challenges
British forces have not yet boarded a sanctioned vessel independently. Criticism mounts over Royal Navy readiness amid rising tensions. As of March 12, four of seven mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) remain out of commission, with the other three stationed in the UK, including protecting nuclear submarine bases. Redeploying one to the Gulf would take five weeks.
HMS Bangor undergoes major repairs in the UK after a 2024 collision in Bahrain and expects readiness by late April 2026.
Defence analyst Francis Tusa notes: “When the Iran-Iraq tanker war broke out in the late 1980s, the USA turned to the UK for our mine countermeasures expertise, to counter the Iranian use of sea mines. From that time on, there have normally been four advanced mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) deployed in Bahrain, often backed up by a support vessel. The Royal Navy now does not have enough MCMVs to cover tasks like protection of the nuclear deterrent, and then to deploy to predictable threats such as in the Gulf. As a country, the UK is being found sadly wanting as regards naval capabilities.”
Further concerns arise from HMS Dragon’s maintenance delay during Middle East escalation, especially after an Iranian drone strikes RAF Akrotiri from Lebanon, questioning local air defenses.
