Ukraine Claims Hit On Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Black Sea Tankers
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) 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.
Sea Baby naval drones operated by the SBU carried out the attacks, a person familiar with the operation told Bloomberg. The attacks were aimed at crimping Russia‘s ability to wage war against Ukraine, the person said, adding that the two tankers were able to carry about $70 million worth of oil. Both were sailing empty at the time of the strikes.
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.
Sanctioned Tankers Targeted
The Kairos and Virat are among hundreds of vessels amassed to help keep Russian oil moving after it invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Kairos is sanctioned by the UK and European Union, while Virat has been designated by the US and EU. The two tankers were empty at the time of the strikes, but they have previously carried significant amounts of oil.
Previous Incidents
It isn’t the first time ships linked to Moscow have suffered explosions this year; a spate of blasts in early 2025 hit merchant ships with a history of calling at Russian ports. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia over energy supplies.
Turkish Response
“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.
Original Article: Ukraine Claims Hit On Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Black Sea Tankers — Ndtvprofit