UK: Detention of Russian tanker (Smitros) in accordance with international law

London, August 13 (KUNA) -- Britain affirmed on Thursday that the interception and detention of the Russian oil tanker Smirnitsa in the English Channel (the English Channel) waters last June was carried out “in full respect of international procedures and laws.” The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) quoted a British government spokesperson as saying that “Britain is working to disrupt and deter ships of the Russian shadow fleet and their harmful maritime activities that fuel Russia’s war against Ukraine.” The spokesperson added that, “in contrast to the Russian shadow fleet, the British Armed Forces and British commercial vessels operate in full compliance with international maritime law.” The British government’s stance came in response to comments made yesterday by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who strongly criticized Western countries for intercepting Russian ships, describing such operations as piracy and armed robbery. In mid-June, British military, security, and law enforcement agencies detained the tanker Smirnitsa and its crew of 25 individuals within the United Kingdom’s territorial waters. Subsequently, British authorities announced the deportation of 22 crew members, while charging the ship’s captain, Agai Pant, with violating international sanctions against Moscow. According to British media reports, the Russian tanker is currently held under the custody of the British Department for Transport at a port near Weymouth in southern England. (End) M.R.N. / T.M.A.