Ukrainian naval drones have struck two Russian oil tankers operating as part of Moscow's so-called 'shadow fleet' in the Black Sea, according to a Ukrainian security official. The vessels, identified as the Kairos and Virat, were empty and heading to the Russian port of Novorossiysk to load oil for foreign markets when they were attacked.
Video footage released by the official shows naval drones speeding towards the tankers, followed by powerful explosions that caused fires on board. The official stated that both tankers sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service, dealing a significant blow to Russian oil transportation. Reuters could not independently verify the footage.
The attacks mark a shift in Ukraine's strategy, which has previously focused on striking Russian oil refineries with long-range aerial drones. Kyiv has repeatedly called on the West to take action against Russia's shadow fleet, which it says enables Moscow to export large quantities of oil and fund its war despite sanctions. The fleet consists of hundreds of often ageing, unregulated vessels that emerged after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Separately, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), which handles over 1% of global oil, halted operations after a mooring at Russia's Black Sea terminal was significantly damaged by a Ukrainian naval drone attack. CPC exports mainly from Kazakhstan via Russia, and Kazakhstan called the attack unacceptable.
Turkey expressed concern over the incidents, noting they occurred in its exclusive economic zone and posed serious safety risks. The Turkish foreign ministry spokesperson stated that Ankara is in contact with relevant parties to prevent the war from spreading in the Black Sea. Both the Kairos and Virat are on a list of ships subject to sanctions imposed against Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to LSEG data.
