Ukraine Targets Russian 'Shadow Fleet' with Precision Drone Strikes, Disrupting Oil Exports

Image Source: Internet

Ukraine's naval drones have dealt a significant blow to Russia's vast oil industry, striking two sanctioned tankers in the Black Sea. The tankers, identified as the Kairos and Virat, were on their way to load up with oil at the major Russian port of Novorossiysk, when they were targeted by Ukrainian drones. According to a Ukrainian official, the drones caused critical damage to both vessels, effectively taking them out of service. This attack marks a new kind of strike in Ukraine's campaign against Russia's oil industry, which has been under pressure for months. The 'shadow fleet' of hundreds of ageing, unregulated vessels has long been a concern for Ukraine and the West, as it helps Moscow export oil and fund its war efforts despite Western sanctions. The fleet has been a key target for Ukraine's efforts to disrupt Russia's oil exports. The attack also comes as the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which handles a significant portion of global oil, halted operations due to a Ukrainian drone strike that damaged a mooring at Russia's Black Sea terminal. The consortium exports oil mainly from Kazakhstan via Russia, and Kazakhstan has condemned the attack as unacceptable. The two tankers, Kairos and Virat, are on a list of ships subject to sanctions imposed against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Turkey has expressed concern over the attacks, citing the risks to safety and economic interests in the region. The Ukrainian official did not provide a date or time for the strikes, but the attack marks a significant escalation in Ukraine's efforts to disrupt Russia's oil industry. Russia has yet to comment on the incident, but the attack is likely to put further pressure on the country's oil exports and revenue.