Last night our armed forces intercepted one of Russia’s sanctioned ships in the Channel as part of the UK’s work cutting off the revenues that fund missiles, drones and the continued bombardment of Ukrainian cities. These illegal ships exist to move sanctioned Russian oil and gas around the world to keep money flowing into Putin's war machine. We are taking action against this illegal activity in our waters. Thank you to our armed forces and the NCA for their work to interdict this vessel.

I am grateful to the UK for taking this important step against Russia’s oil fleet – a shadow fleet tanker has been detained off the UK's southern coast. It was Russia’s hubris, fueled by high oil and gas revenues, that paved the way for this war, and every decision by partners that deprives Russia of money also limits the war itself. I thank @Keir_Starmer and all Britons for such principled resolve. And Europe urgently needs to take legislative steps to enable not only the detention of tankers and restrictions on oil shipments, but also the confiscation of the oil they carry. This will certainly help bring peace closer.

Good to speak to my Ukrainian counterpart @FedorovMykhailo today. I updated him on the shadow fleet operation, and we discussed the UK’s steadfast support to Ukraine’s defence as we prepare for the UDCG meeting that I will chair alongside Germany next week. Slava Ukraini.

Russia's shadow fleet is reacting to the seizure by British forces directed by @Keir_Starmer this morning. AIS data shows multiple sanctioned tankers altering course and turning away from UK waters in the hours since UK @Commando_Ops stormed and seized the SMYRTOS.

Special Maritime Operations = UK Commando Force This morning, Commandos from 42 conducted a maritime interdiction operation on the vessel CMR Smyrtos, sailing under a false Cameroonian flag. Just another night's work for the UKCF's Special Maritime Operations specialist unit.

Overnight, @RoyalMarines and @NCA_UK officers boarded a Russian shadow fleet tanker, the first operation of its kind led by the UK. I'm incredibly proud of everyone involved who showed great skill, professionalism, and courage. This is another blow to Putin’s war machine.

This morning, UK forces boarded a Russian tanker in the English Channel that was secretly helping to bankroll Putin's war in Ukraine. The first operation of its kind led by British forces, and a clear message: there is nowhere to hide.

Watch: Royal Marine Commandos board the sanctioned Russian shadow fleet tanker SMYRTOS in the Channel, in the first UK-led operation of its kind, backed by HMS Sutherland, HMS Ledbury and an RAF P-8. The vessel is now held off the south coast as investigations continue.

Overnight, Royal Marines Commandos of the @RoyalNavy were involved in the interception of a shadow fleet vessel. They were supported by @HMSSutherland, @HMSLedbury and the Maritime Air Group. Mission success thanks to the skills, bravery and professionalism of our people.

People are the heart of defence. We thank our Armed Forces for their sacrifices. This Government has awarded a 3.6% pay rise, bringing total pay increases to 14.1% since July 2024 - recognising their dedication as defence demands grow. Read more: ow.ly/IkQb50Z9k9e

Within hours of being announced as the nominee to be the U.S. Director of the CIA, I received a hand-delivered message on MI6 stationery congratulating me on my nomination. It was signed simply "C" in green ink. Legendary. I shared it with my son and even he thought I was now cool! More than that, this note, from Sir Alex Younger, Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service of the United Kingdom, confirmed what I already believed: the work that the CIA and MI6 did together mattered, that the partnership was critical, and that two leaders focused on the mission could save lives and provide tools for our nations to deter our adversaries. Alex's passing this week brought back so many memories of our time in service together. He flew to Langley to see me the day I was confirmed. We brought our two senior teams together in the UK to plan and coordinate and build in the first several weeks of my time on duty: making clear to them all that this relationship was more than special - it was critical for the security of our two countries. Alex was a remarkable intelligence partner. When we needed help, it wasn't "let me see;" it was "this matters to you and America we'll get it done." And he and his team always did. I think he knew we would do the same for him and his team and his nation. Many Americans are alive today because of his leadership of MI6, I never knew how to thank him enough. Alex became a friend as well. In the years since we both left office we would see each other from time to time. He was always so kind, so thoughtful, so smart. His deep love of his country was surpassed only by his deep commitment and love of his family. Decent and proper - and funny as hell - Alex was "C." As espionage requires, he was quiet, not attention seeking. He knew what evil was and he was ruthless in his efforts to crush it with every legal tool at his command. And he knew who his friends were and committed himself to supporting them. I miss Sir Alex Younger. He was a role model for me and a man with whom every minute I spent was valued and savored. Blessings to you Alex. Praying for you and for your family. Well done and may you rest in peace in His hands.

"Their sacrifice will not be forgotten" A moment's silence took place before the start of the IS Ice Hockey final, to pay tribute to the three Royal Navy helicopter crash victims

"This will rapidly give our forces the very most advanced battlefield technologies as together we produce a ‌range of cutting-edge sensors and weapons systems for undersea drones," says Defence Secretary John Healey.

Euro-Atlantic security and Indo-Pacific security are indivisible. This weekend the Defence Secretary @JohnHealey_MP has been meeting partners from across the Indo-Pacific, as part of the Shangri-La Dialogue. Together, we are working to ensure the stability of this vital region.

Beneath the streets of London, soldiers on Exercise Arrcade Strike defended the systems modern warfare depends on. See how @HQARRC operated in a fictional secret underground headquarters, strengthening @NATO deterrence through integrated command and control 🫡 Discover more ⬇️ bit.ly/4dqda5l

New defence deal secured 🇬🇧🇦🇺🇺🇸 Today, we announced the first ever AUKUS pillar 2 signature project. Backed by over £150M, our new weapons and sensors for undersea drones will secure the High North and Indo Pacific. We’re full steam ahead on AUKUS.

Have a great evening everyone..

A @RoyalAirForce Rivet Joint aircraft operating in international airspace over the Black Sea was dangerously intercepted by Russian military jets – flying as close as six metres and triggering onboard emergency systems. Despite these reckless manoeuvres, RAF crew completed their mission safely. The aircraft was conducting a routine flight in support of @NATO operations, contributing to the security of the Alliance’s eastern flank. The RAF Rivet Joint is a specialist reconnaissance aircraft equipped with advanced electronic surveillance sensors, providing critical situational awareness to help safeguard NATO territory. This incident reflects ongoing Russian aggression and heightened military activity across Eastern Europe and the High North – the UK will continue to stand firm with its allies, united in the defence of NATO.

The actions of Russian pilots towards an unarmed @RoyalAirForce aircraft are dangerous and unacceptable. I pay tribute to the outstanding bravery of the RAF crew, who completed their mission safely. This will not deter the UK’s commitment to defend our @NATO allies.