Ukraine struck two Russian oil tankers with โคnaval drones, disrupting Moscow’s ability to supplyโค its war effort and escalating maritime tensionsโฃ inโ the Black Sea, officialsโ said Saturday. The attacks targeted vessels allegedlyโ part of a “shadow fleet” used โto circumventโ Western sanctionsโ and transport oil, impacting Russia‘s revenue stream andโฃ logistical capabilities.the strikes represent a significant escalation in Ukraine’s naval campaign, demonstrating its growing capacity to project force and target Russian assets crucial to the conflict. As Western sanctions tighten and Russia seeks choice routes for oil exports, Ukraine is โincreasingly focusedโข on disrupting these pathways, aiming to cripple Moscow’s financial resources and hinder its โฃmilitary operations.The incident raises concerns about potential retaliatory measures and further instability in the vital โBlack sea trade route.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) confirmed the operation, stating the SIG โขtanker โคand the TNF tanker were hit Friday evening. Both vessels were reportedly unmanned at the time of the attack. The SBU provided aโค video appearing to show drones approaching and striking the tankers.”consequently of the operation, both enemy tankers were damaged. They received significant damage to critical components of the hull, which makes them โunable to continue moving,” โthe SBU said in a statement.โ
Russia has โฃnot officially commented on theโค incident, but sources familiar with the matter confirmed the attacks.One source said the SIG tanker wasโ carrying fuel for the โคRussian military.
The “shadow fleet” consists of aging tankers that have changed ownership and insurance to obscure thier origins and facilitate Russian oil exports โฃdespite sanctions imposedโ by the United States, the European Union, and other nations following the invasion of Ukraine. These tankers often operate with limited clarity, turning off โขtracking systems to avoidโ detection.
“These tankers are vital for Russia to continue โคexporting oil and funding its war machine,” said maritime security analyst Yoruk Isik. “Targeting them is a direct blow to Russia’s economic capabilities.”
