Ukraine’s Drone Forces Hit 300 Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers in 3 Months
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) announced Tuesday that they have struck 300 Russian shadow fleet tankers within an 11-week period as part of their operation dubbed “Operation MoLoChKa.” The so-called shadow fleet refers to aging oil tankers that ferry Russian oil and bypass Western sanctions and price caps, using various means to mask the origins and destinations of their cargoes.
The USF’s commander, Robert “Magyar” Brovdi, said in a Facebook announcement that his branch struck 134 such oil tankers in the Sea of Azov, and another 166 tankers in the Black Sea within an 11-week period. He stated that the operation started on July 6, 2026.
Operation MoLoChKa: A Backronymed Name with a Meaning
The operation’s name is a backronym from a phrase that says “Moscow Will Lie Across Crimea” in Ukrainian, according to Brovdi’s explanation in July. The word “Molochka” means “Milk” in Ukrainian. This unusual naming convention reflects the USF’s creative approach to their mission.
Initial Phase of Operation MoLoChKa: 159 Tankers Struck Within 12 Days
Most of the shadow fleet vessels struck came from the initial phase of the operation, with the USF claiming 159 tankers were hit within 12 days, ending on July 17. This rapid pace demonstrates the effectiveness of Ukraine‘s drone forces in targeting Russian oil tankers.
Ongoing Efforts: Ukraine’s Drone Forces Continue to Target Russian Shadow Fleet
By early August, the USF said it struck 12 more within the first week of the month and brought the tally at the time to 218 – 134 in the Sea of Azov and 84 in the Black Sea, respectively. This ongoing effort highlights Ukraine‘s commitment to disrupting Russia‘s shadow fleet operations.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s Response: “Piracy”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov decried the attacks as “piracy” in July, with Brovdi rebuffing the claim at the time. Moscow also targeted commercial ships ferrying Ukrainian grain since the initial days of its 2022 Ukraine invasion.
Impact on Russia’s Fossil Fuel Exports
A report by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) estimated that Russia‘s overall fossil fuel exports have fallen by 7% in August, with seaborne export volume falling by 21%, and revenue by 32%. This decline reflects the effectiveness of Ukraine‘s drone forces in disrupting Russian oil shipments.
Response from Russia: Boosting Shadow Fleet Shipments
Another report by Ukraine‘s KSE Institute noted that Russia has boosted shadow fleet shipments from its Baltic ports in response, though they have failed to make up the overall losses. This attempt to adapt and continue operations demonstrates Russia’s determination to maintain its energy exports despite challenges.
Ukraine‘s drone forces have made significant progress in their operation against Russia‘s shadow fleet, striking 300 tankers within three months. As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen how Ukraine will adapt and respond to Russia’s evolving tactics.
Original Article: Ukraine’s Drone Forces Hit 300 Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers in 3 Months — Kyivpost