EXETER’S MP has praised the “exceptional work” of Devon-based Royal Marines after a vessel from the Russian shadow fleet was intercepted in the Channel.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he had directed British troops to carry out the first UK-led naval capture since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Heavily-armed Royal Marine Commandos boarded the tanker, winching down from Chinook and Merlin helicopters as British warships stood by.

Exeter’s Labour MP Steve Race paid tribute to the Marines and National Crime Agency officers who boarded the Smyrtos.

The shadow fleet of more than 700 vessels carries 75 per cent of Russia’s sanctioned oil supplies, which observers say is fuelling Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s war chest to fund the Kremlin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

The UK has already sanctioned more than 500 vessels, which Mr Race said was making it “significantly harder for Russia to target innocent Ukrainians”.

As a result of the sanctions, enforced by the UK and its allies, Russian oil and gas revenues fell by 24 per cent year-on-year in 2025.

This latest operation was the first of its kind to be led by the UK.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Race said he recognised the special bond Exeter had with the Royal Marines, who are based at Lympstone.

He called on the government to continue to take on the Russian shadow fleet and to stay at the forefront of enforcement actions, to ensure UK sanctions continue to be effective.

He said: “Oil and gas supplies play a major role in enabling Russia’s aggression.

“By implementing 500 strict sanctions on Russia and taking the lead to enforce them, the UK is significantly curtailing Putin’s power and protecting innocent civilians who have been under relentless attack since the illegal invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.”