The Ukrainian military has announced that it has successfully targeted a key Russian oil-loading port and three tankers believed to be part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet” in a series of strikes carried out over the past 48 hours.
According to reports, the attacks were conducted using precision-guided munitions and resulted in significant damage to the infrastructure at the port, as well as the destruction of two of the tankers. The third tanker is believed to have been severely damaged but remains afloat.
The shadow fleet refers to a network of oil tankers that are allegedly being used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions imposed in response to its actions in Ukraine and other regions. These vessels are often registered under flags of convenience or in countries with lax regulations, making it difficult for authorities to track their movements and activities.
Russian Oil-Loading Port Under Attack
The Ukrainian military has been targeting key infrastructure at the Russian oil-loading port, which is believed to be a major hub for the shadow fleet. The strikes have resulted in significant damage to the port’s facilities, including storage tanks and loading equipment.
According to eyewitness reports, the attacks were carried out using precision-guided munitions that targeted specific areas of the port. The Ukrainian military has not released any official statements on the matter, but sources close to the situation indicate that the strikes were successful in disrupting Russian oil shipments.
Tankers Destroyed or Damaged
The three tankers believed to be part of the shadow fleet were attacked using a combination of precision-guided munitions and naval mines. Two of the tankers are reported to have been destroyed, while the third is believed to have been severely damaged but remains afloat.
The Ukrainian military has not released any official statements on the matter, but sources close to the situation indicate that the attacks were carried out using a combination of naval and air assets. The exact extent of the damage is still unclear, but it is believed that the tankers were carrying oil or other petroleum products at the time of the attack.
International Reactions
The attacks on the Russian oil-loading port and the shadow fleet have sparked international reactions, with many countries expressing concern over the situation. The United States has issued a statement condemning the attacks and calling for restraint, while European Union officials have urged caution and called for further diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.
The attacks have also raised concerns about the potential impact on global oil supplies and prices. However, experts believe that the damage is likely to be limited and that the global oil market will continue to function normally.
Original Article: Ukraine hits key Russian oil-loading port and 3 ‘shadow fleet’ tankers — Thespec