Ukraine Targets Black Sea ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker with Naval Drones
Ukrainian naval drones struck and disabled a tanker from Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea on Wednesday as it traveled through Ukraine‘s exclusive economic zone toward Novorossiysk, a Ukrainian official said. The Dashan tanker was sailing at maximum speed with its transponders turned off and sustained critical damage during the attack, in which powerful explosions hit its stern.
The country has been carrying out attacks on Russian-linked merchant vessels in the Black Sea, heightening tensions in the region. The vessels struck by Ukraine are believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” tankers Kyiv says help Moscow bypass Western sanctions by exporting oil that funds its war effort. Both ships were empty and en route to Novorossiysk, a major Russian Black Sea oil terminal.
Naval Drones Used in Attack
The strike on the Dashan was also confirmed by three maritime security sources. Video footage provided by the official showed naval drones speeding towards the hulking tanker, followed by powerful explosions as they reached it. Reuters was able to verify that the video indeed depicted the Dashan tanker by comparing its deck, cranes, and structures with file imagery.
Context: Ukraine’s Campaign Against Russian Oil Revenues
The SBU continues to take active measures to reduce petrodollar revenues to the Russian budget,” said the 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.” This attack represents a different line of attack for Ukraine, which has been targeting Russian oil refineries for months using long-range aerial drones to strike far behind the front lines of Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
International Reactions and Implications
Russian 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. The strikes on the tankers have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and the impact on global energy markets.
Conclusion
The attack on the Dashan tanker highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia over the latter’s use of oil revenues to fund its war effort. As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen how these attacks will affect the global energy landscape and international relations in the region.
Original Article: Ukraine targets Black Sea ‘shadow fleet’ tanker with naval drones — Dailysabah