Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Targeted in Drone Attack
A Russian shadow fleet tanker was struck by a drone as it sailed in the Black Sea near the Bosphorus Strait. The vessel had departed from Russia carrying 140,000 tons of oil, equivalent to 1 million barrels. Preliminary reports indicate that the deck and bridge were damaged, and water began entering the engine room.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian drones have been increasingly targeting Russian vessels, including tankers, as part of their efforts to disrupt Moscow’s ability to transport oil and other goods.
Drone Strikes Continue to Target Russian Oil Infrastructure
In addition to the tanker attack, Ukrainian drones also struck the huge oil refinery in Kirishi, which processes about 20 million tons of oil a year. This is not the first time Ukraine has targeted this facility; it has been hit four times previously.
The Ust-Luga oil terminal near St. Petersburg continues to burn brightly, with footage showing multiple fires and ships relocated to an adjacent roadstead. The Novatek Gas Concentrate Complex and Rosneft Bunker Terminal at Ust-Luga are also affected, with AIS data indicating that some vessels have been moved away from the terminal.
Russian Drone Operators Suffer Casualties
Reports have emerged of casualties among Russian drone operators following the detonation of booby-trapped fiber-optic spools. According to sources within a Ukrainian security service, five Russian drone operators have been killed and four more wounded in the incident.
The use of booby-trapped fiber-optic spools is a new tactic employed by Ukraine‘s military. These devices are designed to explode when touched or moved, causing significant damage to equipment and personnel.
Russia’s FSB Finds Thousands Willing to Carry Out Sabotage Attacks
An experiment conducted by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has revealed that thousands of Russians are willing to carry out sabotage attacks on behalf of Ukraine or other foreign actors. In just three hours, the FSB recruited ten would-be saboteurs via Telegram.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Russian security services in combating foreign-backed subversion and sabotage efforts. The use of social media platforms like Telegram has become a key tool for recruiting individuals willing to carry out clandestine operations.
Pentagon Redirects Funds Away from Ukraine
In a separate development, the Pentagon plans to redirect approximately $750 million from the PURL program to replenish its own stocks, rather than providing it to Ukraine. This decision is likely to be met with criticism from lawmakers and advocates for Ukrainian military aid.
The move comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, with both sides engaging in a series of provocative military maneuvers and attacks. The international community remains divided on how to respond to these developments, with some countries calling for increased support for Ukraine while others advocate for diplomacy and restraint.
Original Article: Russian stuff blowing up: Russian shadow fleet tanker targeted in drone attack — Dailykos