Ukrainian Sea Drones Reportedly Hit Another Russian Shadow Fleet Vessel in Black Sea
Ukraine has reportedly struck another oil tanker from Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea on Wednesday with its naval drones, causing “critical damage,” authorities said.
The Comoros-flagged Dashan tanker was travelling at maximum speed with its transponder switched off in Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone off the coast of Crimea towards the Novorossiysk port terminal in Russia. The vessel had been sanctioned by the EU, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland for its role in transporting Russian oil and for operating with its vessel identification systems disabled.
SBU Confirms Critical Damage to Dashan Tanker
The SBU said the tanker had sustained “critical damage,” according to Ukrainian media outlets. The operation was reportedly carried out by the SBU’s 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence and the Ukrainian Navy. The value of such a tanker is approximately €25 million, and in a single voyage it transported oil products valued at over €50 million.
Russian Shadow Fleet’s Route Passes Through Baltic Sea
Ukrainian observers note that the main route of oil exports by the Russian shadow fleet passes through the Baltic Sea. This development has sparked concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies.
Putin Threatens to “Cut Ukraine Off from the Sea”
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened that Moscow could “cut Ukraine off from the sea.” This statement comes as Ukraine continues to push back against Russia’s attempts to control the Black Sea and surrounding waters. Over the past few years, Kyiv has managed to push Russia’s Black Sea fleet off annexed Crimea and away from coastal zones Moscow used to control.
Russian Shadow Fleet Consists of Ageing Tankers
Russia’s shadow fleet consists of ageing tankers, often registered under flags of convenience in countries like Comoros or Panama, used to circumvent Western sanctions by transporting Russian oil with transponders switched off to avoid detection.
Original Article: Ukrainian sea drones reportedly hit another Russian shadow fleet vessel in Black Sea — Euronews