Ukraine Strikes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in Mediterranean – 2,000 km from Its Borders (VIDEO)
Ukraine‘s Security Service (SBU) has struck a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in neutral waters of the Mediterranean Sea, marking the first such operation carried out at that distance from Ukraine. This was reported by Ukrainian media outlet hromadske, citing an inside source.
The SBU operation was conducted more than 2,000 kilometers from Ukrainian territory, using aerial drones to hit the Russian tanker QENDIL in neutral Mediterranean waters. The vessel reportedly sustained critical damage and can no longer be used for its intended purpose.
Russia’s Shadow Fleet: A Network of Aging Tankers
Russia‘s so-called shadow fleet refers to tankers used to transport Russian oil outside Western sanctions regimes, allowing Moscow to continue exports and generate revenue. These aging vessels operate outside standard maritime oversight, with ownership structures often concealed, flags frequently changed, and insurance coverage limited or unclear.
The source told hromadske that Russia had used the tanker QENDIL to bypass sanctions and generate revenue to fund its war against Ukraine. From the perspective of international law and the laws and customs of war, the source said, the tanker was a legitimate target. The source added that Russia should understand Ukraine would continue to strike its assets wherever they are located.
International Efforts to Curb the Shadow Fleet
European governments have relied mainly on sanctions, port access restrictions, and insurance controls to curb the fleet’s activity. In practice, these legal measures are slow to take effect and are often bypassed, limiting their effectiveness compared with direct operational action.
Despite this, international efforts continue to monitor and enforce against the shadow fleet. The EU and G7 have imposed restrictions on oil exports, while port access has been restricted in many cases. Insurance companies have also taken steps to limit coverage for vessels involved in the shadow fleet’s activities.
The SBU operation marks a significant escalation in Ukraine‘s efforts to disrupt Russia‘s ability to generate revenue from its war effort. As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond and whether international pressure can effectively curb the shadow fleet’s activities.
Original Article: Ukraine strikes Russian shadow fleet tanker in Mediterranean – 2,000 km from its borders (VIDEO) — Euromaidan Press