First Minister John Swinney expressed his support for the enforcement of international sanctions following a high-stakes U.S. military operation to seize the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic. The vessel, formerly known as the Bella-1, was intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy SEALs between Scotland and Iceland after a two-week pursuit that began in the Caribbean. Swinney emphasized that while defense is a matter reserved for the UK government, he firmly backs measures to disrupt Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which funds the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
First Minister John Swinney says his government does not have “any knowledge” of whether the aircraft which landed at Wick were used in the US-UK operation in the North Atlantic.
But he says he’s a “firm supporter” of sanctions against Russia being enforced. #FMQs pic.twitter.com/KJsmQ2fDPh
— Holyrood (@HolyroodDaily) January 8, 2026
The operation has sparked local controversy due to the use of Scottish civilian infrastructure. U.S. special operations aircraft, including MH-47G helicopters and V-22 Ospreys, reportedly used Wick John O’Groats Airport and Benbecula Airport as staging posts for the mission. While Swinney noted that the Scottish Government was not briefed in advance, finding out via media reports, he called for closer “government-to-government dialogue” to ensure Scotland is fully sighted on sensitive geopolitical interventions occurring in its waters.
You May Like To Read: President Trump Announces Upcoming White House Summit with Colombian President Gustavo Petro
Check out our latest video:
