The British government is reportedly considering selling nearly 100,000 tonnes of Russian crude oil seized from a vessel operating in violation of UK sanctions, with plans to use the proceeds to support Ukraine’s war effort. The tanker Smyrtos was intercepted by Royal Marines in the English Channel on June 14 and has since been held under the control of the Ministry of Defence off the coast of Weymouth.

The vessel, identified as part of what authorities describe as Vladimir Putin’s “shadow fleet,” was found to be trading oil illicitly, in breach of UK sanctions targeting Russian energy exports. Following the seizure, officials have determined that the Ural crude oil aboard the ship, valued at approximately £35 million, is now under UK ownership and may be legally sold or otherwise utilized by the government.

According to sources, ministers are exploring options that include auctioning the cargo and channeling the funds directly to support Ukraine, potentially financing military equipment or supplies at the front lines. Another alternative under consideration is to refine the crude oil for use within the UK, although how such fuel could be integrated into existing energy supply chains remains unclear.

The move represents a novel approach to enforcing sanctions and leveraging seized assets to aid Ukraine, amid continued international efforts to pressure Russia over its ongoing conflict in the region. Government officials have not yet confirmed formal decisions on the plan, and discussions are reportedly still ongoing regarding the logistics and legal frameworks necessary to proceed.