Ukraine Disables ‘Shadow Fleet’ Vessel With Sea Drones in Black Sea
Ukraine‘s Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced that sea drones were used to disable a tanker involved in trading Russian oil as it sailed through Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea to the Russian port of Novorossiysk. This marks the third strike in two weeks on vessels part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” – unregulated ships which Kyiv says are helping Moscow export large quantities of oil and fund its war in Ukraine despite Western sanctions.
The Dashan tanker was sailing at maximum speed with its transponders off when powerful explosions hit its stern, inflicting critical damage on the vessel. The official at the SBU made no mention of possible casualties in the incident. The strike was also confirmed by three maritime security sources.
Shadow Fleet Grows to 600 Vessels, World Bank Reports
The attack is part of Ukraine‘s efforts to reduce petrodollar revenues to the Russian budget. According to the SBU official, “Over the past two weeks, this is the third tanker of the shadow fleet put out of action that had helped the Kremlin circumvent international sanctions.” The shadow fleet has grown to 600 vessels, according to a World Bank report.
War Insurance Costs Spike as Conflict Spills into Sea Lanes
War insurance costs for ships sailing to the Black Sea have spiked, with insurers reviewing policies daily as the conflict in Ukraine spills into sea lanes. This has led to increased scrutiny of vessels involved in trading Russian oil and heightened tensions between Ukraine and Russia.
The strike on the Dashan tanker was also confirmed by three maritime security sources. There was no immediate comment from Russia on the incident. Ukrainian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, threatened last week to sever Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea in response to the attacks on tankers, which he derided as piracy.
Ukraine has been attacking Russian oil refineries for months, using long-range aerial drones to strike far behind the front lines of Moscow’s war against Ukraine. The strikes on the tankers represent a different line of attack. There have been at least seven blasts on other tankers that called at Russian ports since December 2024 at locations including in the Mediterranean. Ukraine is suspected of carrying out those attacks using limpet mines, maritime security sources said, but Kyiv has not confirmed or denied any role.
Original Article: Ukraine Disables ‘Shadow Fleet’ Vessel With Sea Drones in Black Sea — Usnews