The United Kingdom provided decisive support for a United States-led operation to capture a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, a senior Cabinet minister has confirmed. Douglas Alexander stated the government was "absolutely willing to step up" when requested, asserting the action served the UK's national interest by targeting illicit funding for the war in Ukraine.
Operation Details: RAF and Naval Support
The operation, which took place on Wednesday 07 January 2026, saw the UK deploy significant assets. Following a formal request from US authorities, the Royal Air Force provided surveillance aircraft while the naval auxiliary ship RFA Tideforce offered logistical support. The target was the tanker Marinera, which was intercepted as it travelled north-east through the waters between Iceland and Scotland.
In a related move, US special operations aircraft utilised Wick John O'Groats Airport in the Scottish Highlands as a staging post before proceeding further north. Defence Secretary John Healey later clarified to MPs that while UK assets facilitated the mission, no British personnel physically boarded the vessel during its seizure.
A Vessel from Russia's 'Shadow Fleet'
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme on Thursday 08 January, detailed the rationale behind the UK's involvement. He identified the seized ship as a key component of the so-called "shadow fleet" used to circumvent international sanctions and finance Moscow's military campaign.
"This ship is part of the shadow fleet that funds Russia's war effort in Ukraine," Alexander stated. He explained that the vessel, previously known as the Bella 1 and linked to Venezuela, had turned off its transponders and was designated as stateless under international law, justifying the action.
National Interest and Allied Cooperation
The minister framed the UK's assistance as a necessary step in a broader global effort. "Our national interest is served by avoiding the illegal fuelling of terrorism, of conflict and of misery, whether in Ukraine, the Middle East or anywhere else," he told listeners.
He emphasised the importance of working with allies like the US to confront systematic Russian sanctions evasion. "I think it is right and reasonable we work with our allies to confront the attempt to sanction bust that we are witnessing from the Russians on a regular basis," Alexander added, vowing that authorities would continue to seek ways to disrupt financing for "Putin's war machine".
The US European Command publicly acknowledged the UK's role, posting on social media to thank Britain for its "unwavering support" in the successful operation. This joint action underscores the ongoing allied commitment to enforcing sanctions and applying economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
