Russia-Linked ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tankers Hit by Ukrainian Drones Near Turkey in Black Sea
Three oil tankers linked to Russia‘s so-called “shadow fleet” were hit by drones in the Black Sea near Turkey’s northern coast on Thursday. The attacks took place near the Turkish district of Turkeli, around 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of the coast and close to the Bosphorus Strait.
Turkish coast guard vessels were sent to the area after the incidents. No casualties were reported. According to shipping agency Tribeca, the Palau-flagged tanker James II was attacked while sailing without cargo about 77 kilometres (48 miles) from the Bosphorus Strait. The drone reportedly struck the vessel’s engine room. Twenty crew members were onboard at the time.
Ukrainian Military Intelligence Identifies Attacked Tankers as Part of Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’
Ukraine‘s military intelligence agency HUR has previously identified all three vessels as part of Russia‘s “shadow fleet”, a network of ageing tankers and shipping operators used to move Russian oil exports outside Western sanctions. According to HUR, the shadow fleet accounts for up to 30% of Russia’s seaborne oil exports.
Sanctions-Linked Tankers Previously Targeted by Ukrainian Drones
Altura and Velora had carried cargoes linked to Russian state oil company Rosneft and were sanctioned by the European Union in October 2025. The vessels were later added to sanctions lists in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Canada. Since November 2025, Altura and Velora have reportedly been operated by Turkish company Pergamon Denizcilik Isletmeleri.
Recent Incidents of Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Oil Tankers
The latest incident follows similar attacks on tankers linked to Russia‘s oil trade. On May 3, Ukrainian forces reportedly struck two shadow fleet tankers near the Russian port of Novorossiysk. At the end of 2025, four shadow fleet tankers were reportedly attacked within one week.
Original Article: 3 Russia-Linked ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tankers Hit By Ukrainian Drones Near Turkey In Black Sea — Marineinsight