Ukrainian Naval Drones Target Oil Tankers in Black Sea
Ukrainian naval drones attacked two oil tankers in the Black Sea, according to a Ukrainian security service official. The vessels, identified as the Kairos adn Virat, where reportedly empty and en route to Novorossiysk, a key Russian oil terminal. Video footage shared by the official depicts drones approaching the tankers, followed by explosions and resulting fires. Reuters has not independently verified the footage’s authenticity or timing.
The Ukrainian official stated the attacks caused critical damage to both tankers, effectively removing them from service and representing “a significant blow to Russian oil transportation.” Ukraine has previously targeted Russian oil refineries with long-range drones, and these tanker strikes represent a new tactic. Kyiv has consistently urged Western nations to take stronger action against Russia’s “shadow fleet” – a network of often older, unregulated vessels used to circumvent sanctions and facilitate Russian oil exports, which Ukraine alleges funds the ongoing war.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), responsible for handling over 1% of global oil, announced a halt to operations on Saturday following damage to a mooring at Russia’s Black Sea terminal caused by a Ukrainian naval drone attack. The CPC primarily exports oil from Kazakhstan via Russia and the Black Sea terminal, prompting Kazakhstan to condemn the attack as unacceptable.
Naval drones, described as uncrewed speedboats laden with explosives, have been instrumental in Ukraine’s Black Sea counteroffensive, contributing to the displacement of Russian warships.
Turkey’s transport ministry reported that the 274-meter-long Kairos experienced an explosion and fire on Friday while traveling from Egypt to Russia. The crew was successfully evacuated, and firefighting efforts are ongoing. The Virat was reportedly struck approximately 35 nautical miles offshore, and subsequently attacked again on Saturday, sustaining minor damage to its starboard side. The ministry stated the Virat is stable and its crew is unharmed.
Both the Kairos and Virat are listed as subject to sanctions imposed on Russia following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, according to data from LSEG.
Turkey has expressed concern over the incidents, noting they occurred within its exclusive economic zone and pose safety risks. Ankara is engaging with relevant parties to prevent escalation in the Black Sea and safeguard its economic interests in the region.
The Ukrainian official did not disclose the specific timing of the attacks.As of this report, there has been no public statement from Russia regarding the incidents.
