Ukrainian Naval Drones Target Russian Shadow Fleet
Ukraine has conducted a significant maritime strike against Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea using domestically produced Sea Baby naval drones. According to an official from Ukraine's security services, two vessels identified as part of Russia's "shadow fleet" were hit in quick succession off the Turkish coast late on Friday afternoon.
The attack represents a notable escalation in Ukraine's campaign to disrupt Russia's ability to finance its war efforts through oil exports that circumvent international sanctions.
Details of the Attack and Vessels Involved
The targeted tankers were identified as the Gambian-flagged Kairos and the Virat, both previously sanctioned by Western nations for their role in helping Russia evade oil restrictions. The strikes occurred within Turkey's exclusive economic zone, approximately 28-35 nautical miles off the coast of Kocaeli province.
An SBU official, speaking anonymously due to the operation's sensitivity, confirmed the attack and provided video evidence showing the destruction of both vessels. The official stated that these drones had disabled ships capable of transporting oil worth nearly $70 million, directly impacting Russia's financial capabilities to wage war against Ukraine.
Turkish authorities reported that the Kairos caught fire following the attack, with flames continuing to burn in enclosed areas of the vessel on Saturday. All 25 crew members were safely evacuated. Meanwhile, the Virat did not catch fire, and no evacuation request was made, though authorities had initially reported a fire in its engine room.
International Response and Strategic Implications
Turkey's Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu confirmed the incidents, noting that Turkish coast guard teams had launched rescue operations. While initially suggesting the tankers might have struck mines or been hit by missiles, the minister later acknowledged that the captain of the Virat had specifically reported a "drone attack."
According to the OpenSanctions database, both vessels were part of a sophisticated network designed to bypass restrictions imposed after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The Virat had been sanctioned by the United States in January this year, followed by the European Union, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada. The Kairos faced EU sanctions in July, with the UK and Switzerland following suit.
The database describes these shadow tankers as providing "multibillion-dollar revenues for the Kremlin bypassing sanctions," while also posing significant environmental threats. The Virat, built in 2018, has previously sailed under the flags of Barbados, Comoros, Liberia and Panama, employing what OpenSanctions characterizes as "irregular and high-risk shipping practices."
This strike marks a geographical expansion of Ukraine's naval drone operations, which had previously been largely confined to the northern Black Sea. The successful attack demonstrates Ukraine's growing capability to project maritime power and disrupt Russian economic operations far from its own coastline.
