Russia’s Shadow Fleet Hit by Ukrainian Underwater Drones
Russia‘s secretive “shadow fleet” of ageing tankers has been struck by Ukrainian underwater drones, with two vessels suffering severe damage as dramatic fireballs tore through their hulls.
The critical blow to Moscow’s war effort comes as officials from Kyiv travel to Washington DC for talks on ending the war with Russia. The shadow fleet comprises hundreds of ageing tankers operating under flags of convenience to circumvent Western sanctions imposed following the 2022 invasion. They are chiefly used to secretly export oil around the world, helping keep Russia’s economy afloat and the war ongoing.
Ukrainian Naval Drone Squadrons Target Russian Tankers
Ukraine‘s elite naval drone squadrons targeted two Gambian-flagged ships within the fleet, the Kairos and Virat, approximately 30 miles from Turkey’s coastline on Friday. The Virat sustained additional damage in a second assault on Saturday, with the attacks knocking both ships out of service. Footage shared by Ukrainian security services captured the moment waterborne drones raced across the waves before exploding against the vessels, creating massive fireballs and plumes of dark smoke.
Turkish maritime authorities confirmed both tankers suffered critical damage, with the Kairos requiring firefighting tugboats to tackle extensive blazes on its open deck. The 275-metre Kairos, weighing nearly 80,000 tonnes, was forced to evacuate all 25 crew members following the explosion.
Sea Baby Naval Drones Used in Attack
Ukraine‘s strikes utilised Sea Baby naval drones, maritime weapons developed by Ukraine’s SBU security service in collaboration with the navy. Both targeted ships appear on international sanctions lists, with the Virat sanctioned by the US in January and subsequently by Britain and the European Union. The Kairos faced EU sanctions earlier this year after departing an Indian port bound for the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.
Infrastructure Targeted at Russian Black Sea Port
Ukrainian forces also targeted infrastructure at the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk overnight. Underwater drones inflicted substantial damage to a mooring facility operated by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, prompting the company to halt loading operations. Caspian Pipeline is jointly owned by Russia, Kazakhstan and Western energy giants including Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Shell.
Talks Between Ukraine and US Officials Set for Sunday
The crippling strikes to Moscow’s oil exports come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed a high-level delegation was en route to the United States for continued negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. The team, headed by senior security official Rustem Umerov, is scheduled to meet US officials in Florida on Sunday.
Original Article: Vladimir Putin’s ‘shadow fleet’ tankers burst into flames as Ukrainian officials hold crunch US talks — Gbnews