Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Tankers with Sea Drones: Escalating Tensions in the Black Sea
Ukraine has reported using sea drones to target two oil tankers from Russia's sanctioned shadow fleet near the coast of Turkey. The ships, Kairos and Virat, were hit by explosions, with Kairos partially engulfed in flames and all crew members safely evacuated. The attacks were carried out using "sea baby" drones equipped with reinforced warheads. Despite sanctions imposed by Western governments, the shadow fleet continues to transport Russian crude, supporting Moscow's economy and its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The tension in the Black Sea has escalated since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2024, leading to increased strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure by Ukraine. The recent attacks targeted the port of Novorossiysk and the Afipsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region, causing significant damage. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium also reported damage to one of its mooring points at Novorossiysk. The situation remains volatile as both sides engage in military actions.