UK halts Russian shadow-fleet oil tanker in English Channel amid broader Ukraine-war push

On June 14, UK forces intercepted Russia’s sanctioned shadow fleet oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel—the first such interception—so it could be anchored off the south coast while monitoring continues; the move highlights ongoing sanctions pressure on Moscow’s oil exports. US President Trump spoke with Zelensky and Putin about the war, with Zelensky signaling Ukraine’s position remains strengthened. Reports suggest Russia may relocate remaining Black Sea Fleet command structures from occupied Crimea due to logistical strains, while Ukrainian strikes disrupt Russian logistics. Ukrainian forces reportedly advanced near Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole as Russia conducted a large drone campaign (about 98 drones; 91 downed), with Kyiv continuing strikes on Russian assets across multiple fronts. ISW notes Russian logistical and operational challenges and cautions against overestimating gains such as in Kostyantynivka; Belarus reportedly sees no significant activity.