Ukraine Strikes Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tanker in Black Sea
Ukraine struck an oil tanker belonging to Russia‘s so-called shadow fleet in the Black Sea on Wednesday, according to an official in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The attack marks the third against Russian tankers in two weeks.
A Ukrainian security source told CNN that Sea Baby maritime drones were used in a joint operation by the SBU and the navy. The Dashan tanker, which was flying the flag of the Comoro Islands, suffered “critical damage,” with preliminary information indicating the ship was “disabled.” There was no immediate comment from Russia.
Video Shows Drone Attack on Russian Tanker
Video obtained by CNN shows a Sea Baby drone diving under the tanker before a series of explosions in the vessel’s stern area. Thick plumes of smoke then engulf the tanker. It is unclear what cargo the vessel was carrying or whether the strike caused an oil spill.
The ship was traveling at top speed through Ukraine‘s exclusive economic zone, with its transponder turned off, when it was hit. The vessel had been moving toward Russia‘s Novorossiysk port terminal, a key Russian oil hub, according to the SBU source.
Ukrainian Military Operation Targets Russian Oil Revenue
The Ukrainian military operation follows a similar strike on two Russian shadow fleet tankers in late November. The SBU said the strike dealt a “significant blow to the transportation of Russian oil.” The latest assault is part of Ukraine‘s efforts to reduce oil dollar revenues to the Russian budget, according to the SBU source.
US and Ukrainian Delegations Discuss Peace Deal
Meanwhile, talks over a US-proposed peace deal between Ukraine and Russia are continuing but have not achieved a breakthrough. US and Ukrainian delegations met virtually Wednesday to discuss plans for the reconstruction and economic development of Ukraine after the war with Russia ends, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The US delegation included Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent; Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner; and Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of BlackRock. The Ukrainians also “updated our reflections on the 20 points of the framework document for ending the war,” Zelensky said.
Original Article: Ukraine says it struck Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in Black Sea — Aol