Ukrainian Sea Drones Attack Two Russian Oil Tankers in Black Sea

Ukrainian sea drones struck two sanctioned tankers in the Black Sea as they traveled toward a Russian port to collect oil for international markets, an official stated Saturday, as Kyiv aims to intensify pressure on Russia’s oil sector.

The vessels, identified as the Kairos and Virat, were empty and en route to Novorossiysk, a key Russian oil terminal, according to a security official in Ukraine who spoke to Reuters.

Video footage provided by the official revealed naval drones swiftly approaching the tankers before detonations ignited fires on both ships.

Reuters could not independently confirm the tankers’ identities in the footage or verify the location and timing of the incident.

“The footage indicates both tankers suffered severe damage after being struck and are no longer operational. This will significantly disrupt Russian oil shipments,” the official said in a statement.

Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries for months with long-range aerial drones, hitting sites far beyond the frontlines. The tanker strikes represent a shift in tactics. Kyiv has urged Western nations to enforce measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet”—vessels allegedly aiding Moscow in exporting oil and financing its war despite sanctions. This fleet, comprising hundreds of aging, unregulated ships, expanded following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to circumvent sanctions limiting oil revenue.

Separately, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), responsible for transporting over 1% of global oil, announced a suspension of operations Saturday after damage to a mooring at Russia’s Black Sea terminal from a Ukrainian sea drone attack. CPC primarily exports oil from Kazakhstan via Russia and the Black Sea. Kazakhstan condemned the strike.

Sea drones—explosive-laden unmanned boats—have been pivotal in Ukraine’s Black Sea strategy, forcing Russia’s warships to retreat.

Turkey’s transport ministry reported the Kairos, a 274-meter tanker traveling from Egypt to Russia, exploded and caught fire Friday. Crew members were evacuated while firefighting efforts continued. The *Virat* was reportedly hit roughly 35 nautical miles offshore in the Black Sea and attacked again Saturday by drones, sustaining minor damage above the waterline. The vessel remains stable, with its crew unharmed.

LSEG data confirms both tankers are under sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Turkey