Ukraine Claims Hit on Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Black Sea Tankers
Ukraine‘s security service claimed strikes on two ocean-going tankers sanctioned for carrying Russian oil, which were hit by blasts off Turkey’s Black Sea coast over the past day.
The attacks were aimed at crimping Russia‘s ability to wage war against Ukraine, according to a person familiar with the operation. The two tankers, Kairos and Virat, were able to carry about $70 million worth of oil. Both were sailing empty at the time of the strikes.
Background on Sanctioned Tankers
The Kairos and Virat are among hundreds of vessels amassed to help keep Russian oil moving after it invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Kairos is sanctioned by the UK and European Union, while the Virat has been designated by the US and EU. Both tankers have a history of calling at Russian ports.
Explosions Hit Tankers
The first tanker, the 900-foot (274-meter) Kairos, took on water after an explosion late Friday, according to a local port agent report. The second, the Virat, was also struck near Turkey’s coastline and was billowing smoke after a near-simultaneous attack. The vessel was struck for a second time early Saturday.
Turkish Authorities Confirm Strikes
“Both ships were in our territorial waters,” CNNTurk cited Turkey’s Transportation Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu as saying. “Initial information indicates an external intervention,” the minister said, without elaborating.
Risk of Floating Mines in Black Sea
Spain’s navy, which issues navigational warnings in the region, says there’s also a significant risk posed by floating mines in parts of the Black Sea.
Original Article: Ukraine claims hit on Russian ‘shadow fleet’ Black Sea tankers — Moneycontrol