A senior UK government minister has stated that Britain was "absolutely willing to step up" and provide operational support for a United States-led mission to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic. The action, described as being in the UK's "national interest," targeted a vessel accused of being part of a "shadow fleet" financing Russia's war in Ukraine.
Operation Details: RAF Surveillance and Scottish Airport Used
The operation, which took place on Wednesday 7 January 2026, saw the US capture the tanker Marinera—previously known as the Bella 1—as it sailed through international waters between Iceland and Scotland. At the request of US authorities, the UK contributed RAF surveillance aircraft and the naval supply ship RFA Tideforce to assist.
In a key logistical move, US special operations aircraft landed at Wick John O'Groats Airport in the Scottish Highlands before proceeding further north. However, Defence Secretary John Healey later clarified to MPs that no British personnel were involved in the physical boarding of the vessel.
Ministerial Justification: Targeting Putin's War Machine
Speaking on Thursday 8 January, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander defended the UK's involvement in the seizure. He told BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme that the ship was deemed a "stateless vessel" under international law and had turned off its tracking transponders.
"This ship is part of the shadow fleet that funds Russia's war effort in Ukraine," Alexander asserted. He argued that it was "right and reasonable" for the UK to work with allies like the US to confront systematic Russian sanctions busting, which channels funds to the conflict.
"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," the minister added.
Scottish Government Seeks Greater Consultation
Meanwhile, Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, expressed support for enforcing sanctions but raised concerns about the level of consultation with the devolved government in Edinburgh. He confirmed that the Scottish Government was not involved in the operation, which he said related to reserved UK powers.
While arrangements for US aircraft to use Wick Airport had been made weeks in advance, Swinney stated his administration was not informed of the operational details. He emphasised the importance of "the very closest of dialogue" on geopolitical actions affecting Scottish waters and security, a point he said had been made to the UK Government.
The US European Command publicly thanked the UK for its "unwavering support" following the successful mission. Alexander concluded that the seizure was one example of practical actions being taken to "close down those channels of financing that are funding Putin's war machine."
