British forces stopped a Russian oil tanker in the English Channel on Sunday. This was the first time they led an operation to stop Russia's oil money that helps fund its war in Ukraine.

The tanker, called Smyrtos, was sailing under a Cameroon flag. British Royal Marine Commandos and National Crime Agency officials boarded it on Sunday.

The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said this operation hurts Russia. He said it reminds those helping Russia's war in Ukraine that they cannot hide.

A video of the operation showed British commandos going onto the tanker. Officials were seen looking at documents. The UK Defence Ministry called this the first operation of its kind.

There are shadow fleets of ships that try to avoid sanctions.

Ukraine attacked a Russian oil port and shadow fleet tankers.

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, thanked Britain for stopping the tanker. Ukraine wants its allies to be tougher on the shadow fleet.

President Zelenskyy said Europe needs to take action against the shadow fleet. He said this will help bring peace closer.

The Russian embassy in London did not comment immediately.

The tanker will be held and watched off the south coast of England. The government said this as investigations continue.

The UK has sanctioned many Russian shadow fleet vessels.

Before Sunday, Britain helped France and the US stop these vessels.

There are ghost fleets that move illegal oil.

The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, allowed the military to board and stop Russian ships in March.

There was news about Trump and Russian shadow fleet sanctions.

The UK Prime Minister's decision did not change the number of Russian vessels passing through UK waters immediately.