Ukrainian Defense Forces Attack Sanctioned Vessel in Black Sea
On Wednesday, April 29, the Ukrainian Defense Forces attacked a sanctioned vessel flying the flag of Cameroon in the Black Sea near the city of Tuapse, Krasnodar Territory, Russia. According to reported General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The attack was carried out by a unit of the Ukrainian Navy using two kamikaze marine drones. The targeted vessel, Marquise, is a tanker with a cargo capacity of over 37,000 tons and was under sanctions from several countries, including Ukraine, the UK, the EU, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Canada.
Damage Assessment and Vessel Status
The damage caused by the attack is still being investigated, but it appears that the vessel suffered significant damage to its stern, propeller group, and engine room. The Marquise was adrift in the Black Sea, approximately 210 km southeast of Tuapse, without an Automatic Identification System (AIS) signal, likely waiting to be loaded at sea by another vessel.
Sanctions and Illegal Oil Transport
The tanker has been involved in illegal oil product transportation, as reported by several countries. The sanctions imposed on the vessel aim to prevent such activities from continuing. Russia’s use of this vessel to circumvent international sanctions highlights the need for continued vigilance and enforcement efforts to combat illegal oil trade.
Implications and Context
The attack on the Marquise is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to target Russian oil infrastructure amid rising global energy prices due to the war in the Middle East and temporary relaxation of US sanctions against Russian oil. This move aims to weaken Russia’s ability to fund its military efforts and disrupt global energy markets.
Ukraine’s use of maritime drones has proven effective in hitting the war’s wallet, as seen in previous attacks on sanctioned vessels. The effectiveness of these drone strikes highlights Ukraine’s commitment to using innovative tactics to counter Russia’s aggressive actions.
Original Article: Ukraine strikes a sanctioned tanker near Tuapse with maritime drones — Liga