Ukraine Naval Drones Hit Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Oil Tankers

Ukrainian naval drones attacked two sanctioned Russian 'shadow fleet' oil tankers, the Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea. The tankers were empty and heading to Novorossiysk, a major Russian oil terminal, to load oil destined for foreign markets.

The attack, confirmed by a Ukrainian official who shared video footage, reportedly caused critical damage to both vessels, effectively taking them out of service and dealing a blow to Russian oil transportation. The official also mentioned that a separate attack significantly damaged a mooring at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal in the Black Sea, halting its operations. CPC primarily exports oil from Kazakhstan, which called the attack "unacceptable."

The tankers Kairos (274m long) and Virat were on a sanctions list imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion.

Naval drones, which are in crewed speed boats packed with explosives, were used. The Kairos suffered an explosion and fire, with the crew evacuated. The Virat sustained minor damage to its starboard side above the waterline, was in stable condition, and the crew was safe.

Kyiv views these strikes as part of an effort to pressure Russia's oil industry and its "shadow fleet," which helps Moscow bypass Western sanctions to fund the war.

Turkey voiced concern, stating the incidents occurred in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), posed serious safety risks, and is taking measures to prevent the war from spreading in the Black Sea.