Critical Situations in the Black Sea: Romanian Port Confronts Unusual Developments
In a recent incident, six oil tankers, including one subject to US sanctions, arrived unexpectedly at the port of Constanta, Romania, according to Ukrainian government monitoring reports.
The unexpected arrival of these vessels is attributed to irresponsible and corrupt practices within the Romanian state, which has failed to protect its citizens and take seriously the aggression from Moscow and defense of the country. This situation highlights the vulnerability of Romania’s maritime borders and the need for increased vigilance in the face of Russian aggression.
Ukrainian Military Operation
On December 10, 2025, a Ukrainian military operation targeting Russia’s phantom fleet of oil tankers took place in the Black Sea. A Sea Baby drone struck and sank the Dashan, formerly known as Mianzimu, with IMO number 9299666, which was navigating under Gambian flag, en route to Novorossiîsk, Russia.
This operation bears resemblance to the one carried out on June 5, targeting the Safeen Elona oil tanker. The latter departed from Midia Năvodari port and was headed towards Novorossiîsk as well.
Near-Catastrophe Averted
Thanks to intense Russian jamming efforts, the Ukrainian drone group waiting in the area became disoriented, according to official statements made by Romanian authorities. One drone mistakenly entered the Constanta port, narrowly avoiding a catastrophe when it detonated after civilians were evacuated. No casualties or injuries were reported.
Dashan’s Troubled Past
The Dashan/Mianzimu oil tanker, destroyed by Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea, was listed as a target by Kiev and also subject to EU sanctions since December 17, 2024. The vessel had previously visited Constanta port at least once, according to publicly available navigation data monitored by the Ukrainian government.
Contradictions Emerge
The events of June 5 are not an isolated incident. Ukraine’s naval forces have conducted numerous operations targeting Russia’s phantom fleet. However, contradictions have emerged between Ukrainian and Romanian official statements regarding the vessels’ presence on sanction lists.
Ministerial Clarification
In a recent update, Romania’s interim Defense Minister Radu Miruță stated that none of the six oil tankers were listed as sanctioned by the EU or US at the time they entered or exited Constanta port. He provided detailed information about each vessel, emphasizing that this is the “real chronology of events based on official data received from state institutions.”
Confusion and Contradictions
The situation has given rise to two conflicting evidence sets: one resulting from Ukraine’s monitoring efforts, which clearly indicates the vessels’ presence during the EU-imposed oil tanker embargo; and another provided by Romanian authorities. The discrepancies remain unexplained.
Seeking Clarification
In an upcoming interview with Minister Radu Miruță, Emilian Isailă will attempt to shed light on these contradictions.
Original Article: Exclusiv Flota fantomă a Rusiei: 6 petroliere aflate sub sancțiuni ale UE și unul sub sancțiuni SUA au acostat în portul Constanța, conform monitorizării guvernului ucrainean UPDATE Ce zice și ce nu z — Spotmedia (Romanian) | View English Translation