Kyiv endured a barrage of Russian attacks overnight, resulting inโข confirmed deaths, while separate incidents in โคthe Black Sea saw two oil tankers linked toโค Russia‘s shadow fleet catch fire, โคprompting evacuations.
The attacks on Kyiv, occurring november 29, 2025, mark a resurgence in Russia’s targeting of the Ukrainian capital, raising concerns about escalating conflict as winter approaches.Together,the fires aboard the Virat adn Kairos tankers highlight โthe vulnerability ofโข vessels involved in circumventing Western sanctions and the risks associated with Russia’s efforts to maintain oil exports. These incidents collectively underscore the multifaceted nature of the ongoing conflict and its expanding impact on maritime security and civilian populations.
Turkishโ authorities reported that heavy smoke emanated from the engineโ room of the Virat, carrying twenty individuals, none of whom were reported to be in immediate danger. A more critical situation unfolded on the Kairos, where allโข 25 crew members were evacuated by Turkish rescue teams due toโฃ a more substantial fire. The Turkish General โDirectorate for Maritime Affairs is โoverseeing the response.
The incidentsโข involving the Virat and Kairos are drawing scrutiny to the network of tankers used to transport Russian oil, frequently โenough operating under opaque ownership structures to evade sanctions imposed following the invasion of ukraine. These vessels, frequently referred to as Russia’s “shadow fleet,”โค have become increasingly vital for Moscow to continue exporting crude oil despite restrictions.
