Ukraine Hits Two Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tankers With Naval Drones

Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian naval drones struck two sanctioned Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea
• Both vessels sustained critical damage and were taken out of service
• Attacks target Russia’s oil export capabilities amid ongoing conflict

Ukrainian naval drones successfully hit two sanctioned Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea, dealing a significant blow to Moscow’s oil transportation network. The Security Service of Ukraine confirmed the attacks on the Kairos and Virat tankers as they headed to Novorossiysk port to load oil for foreign markets.

Critical Damage to Tankers

Video footage showed naval drones speeding toward the massive tankers followed by powerful explosions that caused fires on both vessels. “After being hit, both tankers sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service. This will deal a significant blow to Russian oil transportation,” a Ukrainian security official stated.

Reuters could not independently verify the identity of the tankers in the clips or the location and date of the footage.

Expanding Drone Warfare

While Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries for months using aerial drones, these naval strikes represent a different approach. Kyiv has repeatedly urged Western nations to take action against Russia’s “shadow fleet” – hundreds of aging, unregulated vessels that help Moscow export oil despite Western sanctions.

The shadow fleet emerged prominently after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, bypassing sanctions designed to reduce Moscow’s oil revenue.

Regional Impact and Reactions

Separately, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium halted operations after a mooring at Russia’s Black Sea terminal was significantly damaged by a Ukrainian naval drone attack. The consortium handles over 1% of global oil, mainly exporting from Kazakhstan via Russia. Kazakhstan called the attack unacceptable.

Turkey expressed concern, noting the incidents occurred in its Exclusive Economic Zone and posed serious safety risks. Ankara is engaging with relevant parties to prevent the conflict from spreading in the Black Sea region.

Tanker Details and Sanctions Status

The 274-meter-long Kairos suffered an explosion and fire while en route from Egypt to Russia, according to Turkey’s Transport Ministry. Crew members were evacuated while firefighting efforts continued.

The Virat was struck approximately 35 nautical miles offshore and attacked again on Saturday, sustaining minor damage above the waterline. Both vessels remain on sanctions lists imposed against Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

There was no immediate public comment from Russian authorities regarding the attacks.