Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian 'Shadow Fleet' in Bold Black Sea Offensive

Ukraine targeted Russian oil export tankers in the Black Sea using marine drones, impacting the shadow fleet linked to sanctions evasion. The operation, a collaboration between the SBU and Ukraine's navy, successfully damaged the tankers, Kairos and Virat, crucially affecting Russian oil transportation networks.

Ukraine has conducted a daring strike against Russian oil export tankers in the Black Sea utilizing marine drones, according to a statement by an official from the SBU security service on Saturday. This targeted operation aims at Russia's shadow fleet, which allegedly assists in bypassing Western sanctions.

In coordination with Ukraine's navy, the SBU carried out an operation that resulted in significant damage to the tankers, named Kairos and Virat, which were empty and en route to Novorossiysk, a major Russian oil terminal. The strikes left the vessels critically damaged and out of service, a significant disruption to Russia's oil export capabilities.

Video evidence demonstrates the success of the operation, which strikes at the core of Russia's oil distribution mechanism amidst ongoing sanctions. Authorities in Turkey reported explosions impacting two tankers near the Bosphorus Strait, evidencing the global implications of the assault. Rescue operations were promptly initiated for those on board.

(With inputs from agencies.)