Ukrainian Naval Drones Target Sanctioned Oil Tankers in Black Sea

Ukrainian naval drones have struck two oil tankers operating under sanctions in the Black Sea, as they were en route to a Russian port to load oil destined for foreign markets, according to an official statement on Saturday. The tankers, identified as the Kairos and Virat, were empty and navigating towards Novorossiysk, a major Russian oil terminal on the Black Sea. Video footage released by a security service official in Ukraine showcased naval drones speeding towards the tankers, followed by powerful explosions that ignited fires onboard. However, Reuters has been unable to independently verify the identity of the tankers shown in the videos, as well as the exact location and timing of the incidents. The footage revealed that both vessels sustained significant damage, rendering them effectively out of service. This action is expected to inflict a considerable blow to the Russian oil transportation network, as noted by the official in a written statement. Ukraine has been intensifying attacks on Russian oil refineries for months, employing long-range aerial drones to target locations deep behind the frontlines of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. The strikes on these tankers mark a tactical pivot, as Kyiv has consistently urged Western allies to adopt stronger measures against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. This fleet, comprising numerous aging and largely unregulated vessels, emerged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, managing to circumvent international sanctions designed to limit Moscow's oil revenue. In a separate incident, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), responsible for over 1% of the global oil supply, announced the suspension of operations after a mooring at Russia's Black Sea terminal was significantly damaged by a Ukrainian naval drone strike. This pipeline predominately serves as a conduit for oil exports from Kazakhstan, traversing through Russia. Kazakhstan has condemned the drone attack, calling it unacceptable. Naval drones are essentially uncrewed speedboats filled with explosives that detonate upon reaching their targets. These unmanned vessels have notably played a critical role in Ukraine's counteroffensive in the Black Sea, contributing to the efforts to counteract Russia's formidable fleet of warships. On Friday, the 274-meter-long tanker Kairos experienced an explosion and caught fire while heading from Egypt to Russia, prompting the evacuation of its crew by nearby rescue boats as firefighting efforts commenced. Meanwhile, the Virat was struck approximately 35 nautical miles offshore in the Black Sea. This vessel endured a secondary attack from unmanned vessels on Saturday, leading to minor damage located above the waterline on its starboard side. Reports indicate that the Virat remains in stable condition with its crew in good health. Both tankers, the Kairos and Virat, are listed among vessels subject to sanctions imposed against Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to data from LSEG. The Turkish government has expressed concern over the attacks, highlighting that they occurred within its exclusive economic zone and presented significant safety risks. The Turkish foreign ministry spokesperson, Öncü Keçeli, stated that Ankara is actively engaging with relevant parties to mitigate any escalation of conflict in the Black Sea and ensure the protection of Turkey's economic interests in the region. While details regarding the exact timing of the Ukrainian strikes remain undisclosed, there has yet to be a public response from the Russian government.The escalating conflicts leave observers questioning the future dynamics of international resistance against oil transportation to Russia amid ongoing sanctions and military tension. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2