Ukraine Strikes Shadow Fleet Tanker in Black Sea
Ukraine’s Defense Forces struck a tanker from Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea, along with two road bridges and multiple enemy command posts, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.
The strikes were carried out on June 16 and into the early hours of June 17. The targeted vessel is FINA A (IMO 9283306), a 244.6-meter-long tanker currently under sanctions imposed by the EU, Switzerland, the UK, Canada, and Ukraine. It has been used to transport Russian oil and petroleum products in circumvention of international sanctions.
Vessel’s Sanctioned History
The EU sanctioned the tanker on May 20, 2025, over its role in transporting Russian crude oil and petroleum products, with measures taking effect the following day. Ukraine sanctioned the vessel on December 13, 2025, and later sanctioned its captain, Vapor Junardito, on February 21, 2026.
Shadow Fleet’s Circumvention Tactics
Kyiv has repeatedly targeted vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, which Moscow uses to sustain oil exports despite Western restrictions. In late May, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) carried out a large-scale overnight drone strike that damaged another shadow fleet tanker in the Black Sea, alongside other fuel infrastructure.
Additional Strikes Target Russian Infrastructure
According to the latest General Staff, Ukrainian forces also struck infrastructure used by Russian troops for logistics and troop movement. Confirmed targets included two road bridges – one over the North Crimean Canal near Stavky, another near Voinka in Kherson region – as well as a command-and-observation post and control point in the Velyka Novosilka area of the Donetsk region.
Context: EU Extends Russia Sanctions
The move marks the first time the bloc has renewed its sectoral sanctions against Russia for a full year instead of the usual six-month period. This development adds context to Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian oil exports and infrastructure, as well as the international community’s response to these actions.
Vessels Mentioned
Original Article: Ukraine Hits 244-Meter Shadow Fleet Tanker, 2 Bridges and Multiple Russian Command Posts Overnight — Kyivpost