Russian Shadow Fleet Used for Intelligence Gathering and Sabotage Operations
Russia is utilizing its illicit “shadow fleet” of oil tankers for intelligence gathering and sabotage operations, including launching drones, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian president stated that the shadow fleet is not only used to earn money for the war but also for reconnaissance and even sabotage activities. It is entirely possible to stop this, Zelenskyy emphasized.
The Ukrainian president’s remarks came after a briefing from his foreign intelligence chief, Oleh Ivashchenko, who described “sabotage and destabilizing operations in Europe.” Zelenskyy highlighted the recent cases of drones being launched from tankers as one such example. He urged that it is essential for partners to respond realistically to Russia’s actions.
Danish Police Investigate Possible Involvement of Shadow Fleet Ship
Danish police have not ruled out the possibility that a ship, the Boracay, was involved in drone sightings above airports and military installations in Denmark in late September. The ship was later boarded and halted by French troops. Its captain is scheduled to go on trial in France in February accused of failing to cooperate with authorities.
Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Oil Refinery
Ukrainian drones have attacked an oil refinery at Tyumen in Siberia, marking potentially Kyiv’s deepest ever strike into Russian territory. At least two UAVs damaged its distillation column and water supply system, according to the independent Russian news outlet Astra. The regional government sought to play down the attack, stating that three UAVs were detected and neutralized on the territory of an enterprise in the Antipino district of Tyumen.
Fire Continues to Rage at Feodosiya Oil Terminal
Fire continued to rage at the Feodosiya oil terminal in Russian-occupied Crimea after an earlier Ukrainian strike. Reports indicate that the blaze had spread further through the facility.
International Atomic Energy Agency Discusses Restoration of Off-Site Power to Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, stated that he is discussing with Russia and Ukraine how to restore off-site power to the illegally Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Europe’s largest nuclear plant has been cut off from external power for more than a week. It is being cooled by emergency diesel generators that are not intended to be used long-term.
Ukraine Seeks to Increase Natural Gas Imports Amid Russian Airstrikes
Ukraine wants to increase natural gas imports by 30% amid intensified Russian airstrikes on its gas infrastructure, damage from which Ukrainian energy minister Svitlana Hrynchuk described as significant. Russia had attacked energy facilities 26 times in the last 24 hours, said the minister.
Poland Declines Extradition of Suspect in Nord Stream Pipeline Explosions
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that it is not in Poland’s interest to hand over a Ukrainian man wanted by Germany for suspected involvement in explosions that damaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Tusk added that it is ultimately for a court to decide on the extradition of Volodymyr Z, who plans to plead not guilty according to his lawyer.
Original Article: Ukraine war briefing: Shadow fleet is launchpad for Russian drones harassing Europe – Zelenskyy — The Guardian