Ukraine Strikes Russian “Shadow Fleet” in the Black Sea: Drones Destroy Oil Tankers and Shake Moscow’s Sanctions-Busting Network
In a significant escalation of maritime hostilities in the Black Sea, Ukrainian naval forces reportedly targeted two Russian oil tankers belonging to Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet,” dealing substantial damage as the vessels sailed toward a Russian port to load oil for international markets. The attacks, confirmed by Ukrainian officials on Saturday, mark a shift in Kyiv’s strategy, aiming to directly disrupt Russia’s oil revenues in addition to ongoing air and drone strikes on refineries.
The tankers, named Kairos and Virat, were reportedly empty and en route to Novorossiysk, a key Russian Black Sea oil terminal. According to a Ukrainian security service official, both ships were struck using naval drones, unmanned speedboats equipped with explosives, which detonated upon contact with the vessels. Video footage circulating online shows the drones racing across the water, followed by massive explosions that engulfed parts of the tankers in flames, though Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the clips.
“The impact of these strikes renders both tankers effectively inoperable, severely disrupting Russian oil transport operations,” the official stated, emphasizing that Kyiv aims to pressure Moscow by targeting its energy logistics chain. The attacks represent a new phase in Ukraine’s efforts to weaken the Russian war effort, expanding beyond aerial drones to maritime unmanned vehicles capable of reaching vessels far from combat zones.
The Kairos, measuring 274 meters, reportedly caught fire on Friday while traveling from Egypt toward Russia. Turkish authorities confirmed that the tanker’s crew was safely evacuated and that firefighting efforts were ongoing. Meanwhile, the Virat was struck around 35 nautical miles offshore in the central Black Sea and reportedly suffered minor damage to its starboard side when targeted again on Saturday. No casualties were reported in either incident.
Both vessels are listed among ships subject to Western sanctions following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The “shadow fleet,” comprised of hundreds of often older, under-regulated tankers, has emerged as a critical mechanism allowing Russia to continue exporting oil despite international restrictions. Ukraine has repeatedly urged the West to enforce sanctions on these vessels, warning that bypassing restrictions fuels Moscow’s military operations.
Turkey has expressed concern over the attacks, which occurred within its exclusive economic zone. Turkish officials indicated that they were assisting with firefighting and rescue operations and have called for measures to prevent escalation and safeguard maritime traffic in the region. A spokesperson for Ankara emphasized the economic and safety risks posed by the incidents.
Separately, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) announced a temporary halt in operations at Novorossiysk after a Ukrainian drone attack damaged a mooring point. CPC, which transports crude from Kazakhstan via Russia to the Black Sea, said the disruption affects global oil supplies. Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Aibek Smadiyarov condemned the strikes as “unacceptable” and stressed the importance of maintaining uninterrupted energy flows.
The attacks come amid broader diplomatic activity, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirming that a delegation led by security official Rustem Umerov is traveling to the United States for talks aimed at advancing efforts to end the war. The delegation follows recent upheavals in Ukrainian negotiation teams, highlighting the high-stakes political and military environment.
Experts view the strikes on the Kairos and Virat as both tactical and symbolic, signaling Kyiv’s capability to hit key Russian assets at sea while underscoring the vulnerability of the shadow fleet to direct action.
FAQ
1. Which tankers were attacked by Ukraine in the Black Sea?
The Ukrainian naval drones targeted the Kairos and Virat tankers.
2. Were there any casualties in the attacks?
No casualties were reported; crews were safely evacuated.
3. What is Russia’s “shadow fleet”?
A fleet of mostly older tankers used to bypass Western sanctions and export Russian oil.
4. How were the attacks carried out?
Unmanned naval drones (speedboats packed with explosives) struck the vessels.
5. Did Turkey respond to the incidents?
Yes, Turkish authorities assisted with firefighting and expressed concern about safety risks.
6. How did Kazakhstan react?
Kazakhstan condemned the attack on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s facilities and called for stable energy transport.
7. What broader impact do these attacks have?
The strikes aim to disrupt Russian oil revenues and demonstrate Ukraine’s reach in the Black Sea.