The Ukrainian navy has launched drone attacks on two fuel tankers belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” as they sailed through the Black Sea, officials in Kiev said, citing British media outlet Reuters.
Officials said the two Gambian-flagged tankers, the Kairos and the Virat, were empty and heading towards Russia’s key Novorossiysk oil terminal. BBC-verified video showed the tankers exploding and sending flames and black smoke billowing out of the sky after the drone hit them.
A Ukrainian security official said the two tankers were “severely damaged” in the attack and effectively put out of service, raising concerns about pressure on Russian oil supplies.
The first attack took place off the coast of Turkey on Friday. The next day, on Saturday, another attack on the “large” tanker was reported. There are no reports of casualties so far.