Ukrainian Naval Drones Strike Russian Oil Tankers in Black Sea, Dealing Significant Blow to Moscow's Energy Transport
The Ukrainian navy has launched a series of strikes against two Russian oil tankers operating under international sanctions in the Black Sea. According to an official at Ukraine's security service, the drones targeted the Kairos and Virat, two vessels carrying crude oil destined for foreign markets, including major ports such as Novorossiysk.
The attacks resulted in significant damage to both ships, with video footage showing powerful explosions that caused fires on board. The Ukrainian drones appeared to be sailing towards the tankers before detonating, leaving behind two vessels severely damaged and effectively taken out of service.
The strikes represent a new front in Ukraine's campaign against Russia's oil industry, which has been under sanctions since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year. Kyiv has accused Russia's "shadow fleet" of helping to export millions of barrels of oil, generating significant revenue for the Kremlin despite international efforts to limit its energy exports.
The Ukrainian government claims that the attacks on the tankers will deal a significant blow to Russia's energy transportation capabilities, highlighting the risks posed by Moscow's reliance on aging and unregulated vessels to transport oil. The ships involved are listed on the sanctions list, which aims to reduce Moscow's revenue from oil exports.
Meanwhile, other major players in the energy sector have been affected by the strikes. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), a key pipeline that handles over 1% of global oil production, has halted operations after a drone attack damaged its Black Sea terminal. Kazakhstan has condemned the attack as "unacceptable," while Turkey has expressed concern about the incidents taking place in its exclusive economic zone.
The Ukrainian navy's use of naval drones has become increasingly prominent in the conflict, with Kyiv using these unmanned speedboats to target Russian warships and disrupt Moscow's supply chain. The attacks on the oil tankers mark a new phase in this campaign, as Ukraine seeks to strangle Russia's energy exports and increase pressure on the Kremlin.
The Ukrainian navy has launched a series of strikes against two Russian oil tankers operating under international sanctions in the Black Sea. According to an official at Ukraine's security service, the drones targeted the Kairos and Virat, two vessels carrying crude oil destined for foreign markets, including major ports such as Novorossiysk.
The attacks resulted in significant damage to both ships, with video footage showing powerful explosions that caused fires on board. The Ukrainian drones appeared to be sailing towards the tankers before detonating, leaving behind two vessels severely damaged and effectively taken out of service.
The strikes represent a new front in Ukraine's campaign against Russia's oil industry, which has been under sanctions since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine last year. Kyiv has accused Russia's "shadow fleet" of helping to export millions of barrels of oil, generating significant revenue for the Kremlin despite international efforts to limit its energy exports.
The Ukrainian government claims that the attacks on the tankers will deal a significant blow to Russia's energy transportation capabilities, highlighting the risks posed by Moscow's reliance on aging and unregulated vessels to transport oil. The ships involved are listed on the sanctions list, which aims to reduce Moscow's revenue from oil exports.
Meanwhile, other major players in the energy sector have been affected by the strikes. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), a key pipeline that handles over 1% of global oil production, has halted operations after a drone attack damaged its Black Sea terminal. Kazakhstan has condemned the attack as "unacceptable," while Turkey has expressed concern about the incidents taking place in its exclusive economic zone.
The Ukrainian navy's use of naval drones has become increasingly prominent in the conflict, with Kyiv using these unmanned speedboats to target Russian warships and disrupt Moscow's supply chain. The attacks on the oil tankers mark a new phase in this campaign, as Ukraine seeks to strangle Russia's energy exports and increase pressure on the Kremlin.