Ukraine Naval Drones Hit Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tankers
Sultanul Arefin 
Ukraine has launched fresh attacks in the Black Sea, striking two Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers with explosive naval drones.
Kyiv says the operation aims to weaken Moscow’s oil exports, while neighbouring states warn of rising risks to regional shipping.
Naval drones strike sanctioned ‘shadow fleet’ tankers
According to Ukraine’s Security Service, unmanned “Sea Baby” surface drones hit two sanctioned tankers off Türkiye’s Black Sea coast.
Video shared by officials shows drones racing across the water before powerful explosions ignite fires on the vessels.
The ships are described as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of older tankers used to bypass Western sanctions on Russian oil.
Ukraine has repeatedly urged allies to crack down on these ships, arguing they help fund the war.
Tankers Kairos and Virat heavily damaged en route to Novorossiysk
The tankers, identified as the Kairos and Virat, were sailing empty toward the Russian port of Novorossiysk to load crude for export.
Ukrainian officials say both vessels suffered “critical damage” and were effectively taken out of service after the strikes.
Crew members were evacuated, and no deaths have been reported.
However, footage shows intense fires and thick smoke, highlighting how close the incident came to a major environmental disaster.
Black Sea neighbours Turkey and Kazakhstan condemn the attacks
Türkiye says the strikes occurred inside its Exclusive Economic Zone and “posed serious risks to navigation, life, property and environmental safety.”
Ankara has condemned the attacks and demanded that all parties respect maritime security.
Kazakhstan has also lodged a formal protest after a related Ukrainian drone attack damaged infrastructure at the nearby Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal, halting oil exports.
Officials in Astana warn that further strikes could hurt global energy markets and bilateral ties.
Ukraine’s strategy: pressure on Russia’s oil revenue
For months, Ukraine has targeted oil refineries inside Russia using drones and missiles.
The latest raid shows a shift toward hitting export vessels and loading infrastructure at sea, aiming to disrupt transport rather than just production.
Kyiv argues that oil profits bankroll Russia’s invasion, so cutting those flows is a legitimate military goal.
Russia, however, calls the attacks “terrorism” and says it will alert international bodies about what it claims is a threat to global security.
Global security worries over risk to shipping lanes
The strikes deepen fears that the Black Sea could become even more dangerous for commercial traffic.
Shipping insurers already price in extra war risk, and new attacks may push premiums higher or divert tankers to longer routes.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s allies are watching closely as Kyiv combines drone warfare with diplomatic efforts, including new peace talks in the United States.
As a result, the fight over oil routes now sits at the centre of both the battlefield and the negotiating table.
Featured Image: Reuters
About The Author
Suzan Seherin 