Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Ship in Black Sea

Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Tanker in Black Sea

Ukraine has reportedly targeted another vessel from Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea, using naval drones to inflict "critical damage" on a Russian oil tanker. According to reports from Ukrainian authorities, the attack took place on Wednesday and involved the Comoros-flagged Dashan tanker.

The Dashan was reportedly traveling at maximum speed with its transponder switched off, operating within Ukraine's exclusive economic zone near the coast of Crimea. Its destination was the Novorossiysk port terminal in Russia. The ship had been sanctioned by several countries, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Switzerland, for its role in transporting Russian oil and for disabling its vessel identification systems.

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) stated that the Dashan sustained significant damage during the operation. The attack was allegedly carried out by the SBU's 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence and the Ukrainian Navy. This marks another instance of Ukraine targeting Russian vessels as part of its ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of oil from Russia.

Details of the Attack

Kremlin-affiliated Telegram channels reported that three Ukrainian sea drones attacked the Dashan while a British RC-135W reconnaissance aircraft was allegedly operating in the western part of the Black Sea during the incident. Ukrainian media outlets also confirmed the presence of the British aircraft in the area.

According to SBU estimates, the value of such a tanker is approximately €25 million, and it can transport oil products worth over €50 million in a single voyage. This highlights the strategic importance of these vessels to Russia’s oil export operations.

Broader Implications

This attack comes amid heightened tensions in the Black Sea region. Earlier this year, Ukraine released a video showing the moment its naval drones struck Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea. Another Russian tanker was reportedly attacked in the Black Sea, according to statements from Turkey.

Ukrainian observers have noted that the main route for oil exports by the Russian shadow fleet passes through the Baltic Sea. However, due to Ukraine’s military campaign and the increasing use of sea drones, Russia has been forced to move a significant portion of its Black Sea fleet from Sevastopol in Crimea to ports like Novorossiysk and others in Russia.

Russian Shadow Fleet

Russia’s shadow fleet consists of aging tankers, often registered under flags of convenience in countries like Comoros or Panama. These vessels are used to circumvent Western sanctions by transporting Russian oil with transponders switched off, making them difficult to track.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously threatened that Moscow could "cut Ukraine off from the sea." Over the past few years, Kyiv has managed to push Russia’s Black Sea fleet away from the coastal zones that Moscow once controlled, particularly after the annexation of Crimea.

Ongoing Conflict and Strategic Moves

The continued use of drones by Ukraine has significantly altered the dynamics of the conflict in the Black Sea. These unmanned systems have allowed Ukraine to conduct precision strikes against key targets, including Russian oil tankers, without risking the lives of its personnel.

As the war continues, the focus on disrupting Russia’s oil exports remains a critical component of Ukraine’s strategy. By targeting the shadow fleet, Ukraine aims to weaken Russia’s ability to finance its military operations and maintain economic stability.

The situation in the Black Sea remains volatile, with both sides continuing to escalate their efforts to gain an upper hand. The recent attack on the Dashan tanker underscores the growing importance of maritime operations in the broader conflict.