Russian Oil Tankers Employ Defensive Measures Amid Ukraine Attacks
Russian oil tankers are increasingly using makeshift anti-drone defenses to protect themselves against Ukrainian attacks targeting Moscow’s energy exports. According to The Wall Street Journal, at least 60 vessels equipped with these defensive measures have been documented passing through Istanbul’s Bosporus Strait since August.
The images reviewed by the newspaper show tankers carrying protective structures around vulnerable areas, including engines, steering equipment, and bridge windows. Nearly all the vessels identified are subject to U.S. or other Western sanctions for transporting Russian oil.
Defensive Measures Intended to Intercept Incoming Drones
Analysts said the nets and cages being used are intended to intercept incoming drones before they strike critical ship components. Some vessels have also attached rubber tires along their sides to protect engines and rudders from attacks that could leave tankers disabled.
The defensive measures resemble equipment used on military vehicles and infrastructure in Ukraine, where drones have become a central weapon in the conflict. The modifications reflect growing concerns over Ukraine’s campaign against Russia’s shadow fleet, which transports oil outside conventional Western shipping and insurance arrangements.
Pressure on Russia’s Financial System
Security analysts said the campaign could also place pressure on Russia’s financial system. Many aging shadow-fleet tankers rely on insurance and financial backing from Russian state-supported banks, potentially exposing those institutions to losses from damaged vessels.
Ukraine escalated attacks on the fleet in 2025 as Washington pushed Kyiv and Moscow toward negotiations to end the war. Russian oil shipments remain a major source of foreign currency for Moscow, making the tankers an economically significant target.
Shadow Fleet’s Growing Concerns
The commander of Ukraine’s drone forces claimed in September that Ukrainian operations had disabled 300 Russian shadow-fleet vessels since July. That figure has not been independently verified. The campaign could also place pressure on Russia’s financial system, as many aging shadow-fleet tankers rely on insurance and financial backing from Russian state-supported banks.
Despite the growing concerns, it remains to be seen how effective these defensive measures will be in protecting the Russian oil tankers from Ukraine’s attacks.
Original Article: Russian oil tankers deploy makeshift drone defenses amid Ukraine attacks – WSJ — Yahoo