Kyiv, Ukraine – A Ukrainian security official announced on Saturday that his country was behind the targeting of two Russian oil tankers belonging to what is known as the “shadow fleet.” The attack was carried out using unmanned naval vessels off the Turkish coast in the Black Sea. The attack reflects the widening scope of the confrontation between Kyiv and Moscow beyond traditional battlefields.
The term “shadow fleet” refers to a group of older Russian tankers. Moscow uses them to transport oil away from international oversight, aiming to circumvent Western sanctions imposed since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian war. These tankers often operate without tracking signals or with disguised data to avoid detection.
The Ukrainian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the operation was carried out by the Ukrainian Security Service in cooperation with the navy. He stated that the attack inflicted “significant damage” on the two targeted tankers, effectively taking them out of service. He added that this strike “will have a major impact on Russian oil shipments,” without disclosing the precise timing or location of the attack.
Ukrainian naval operations using advanced drones are among the most prominent tactics Kyiv has employed in recent months to disrupt Russian capabilities in the Black Sea. This involves targeting both military vessels and tankers involved in Russian trade. Kyiv views these attacks as part of a strategy aimed at reducing Moscow’s financial resources and disrupting its supply lines.
This development comes at a time of growing concern that the conflict could spread to sensitive areas near NATO countries, placing maritime security in the Black Sea under increasing pressure. This is occurring amidst international calls to contain the escalation and prevent any wider confrontation that could threaten shipping and energy routes in the region.
