Ukraine says it hit Russian 'shadow fleet' tankers with underwater drones in the Black Sea

Ukrainian Drones Hit Russian "Shadow Fleet" Tankers

Ukrainian underwater drones have attacked two tankers that are part of Russia's so‑called "shadow fleet" operating in the Black Sea, a Ukrainian official reported. These vessels, used to bypass international sanctions and secretly transport Russian oil, were targeted as part of Kyiv’s continuing effort to disrupt Moscow’s logistics and energy revenues.

Details of the Attack

According to the Ukrainian source, the strikes occurred overnight in the Black Sea. The targeted ships were reportedly carrying oil cargo and sustained significant damage. Satellite images are being analyzed to assess the scale of destruction, though no crew casualties have been confirmed yet.

Background on the "Shadow Fleet"

The so‑called "shadow fleet" refers to hundreds of aging tankers Russia deploys to export oil covertly, often sailing under foreign flags and using ship‑to‑ship transfers to obscure cargo origins. Western analysts have warned that such operations pose environmental and legal risks, as many vessels lack proper insurance and maintenance.

Strategic Context

Ukraine has intensified its use of naval drones to damage Russian assets over recent months. These remote attacks are part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing Russia’s capacity to finance and sustain its war effort through oil exports.

“Every strike on Russia’s fleet reduces its ability to wage war and fund aggression,” said the Ukrainian official, highlighting Kyiv’s intent to pressure Moscow both militarily and economically.

Author’s summary:
Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russia’s covert “shadow fleet” tankers in the Black Sea mark an escalation aimed at undermining Moscow’s oil trade and weakening its wartime logistics.

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CNN CNN — 2025-11-29

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