Ukraine's Underwater Drones Take Aim at Russian Oil Ships
In a bold move, Ukraine has reportedly targeted two Russian oil tankers using underwater drones. These tankers are part of Russia's "shadow fleet", a group of ships that help Russia bypass international sanctions. The attacks happened on Friday and Saturday, causing serious damage to both vessels. This is a big deal because it disrupts Russia's ability to transport oil, which is a major source of income.
The Tankers Involved
The two tankers involved are the Virat and the Kairos, both flying the Gambian flag.
- Virat
- Hit twice: first on Friday and again on Saturday.
- Location: About 30 miles off the Turkish coast.
- Damage: Minor damage above the waterline, no fire.
Assistance: A fire-fighting tugboat was sent to assist.
- Kairos
- A massive ship weighing nearly 80,000 tons.
- Hit on Friday.
- Damage: Significant fire on its open deck, later extinguished.
- Crew: All 25 crew members had to evacuate after an explosion.
Neither ship was in Turkish waters when they were attacked.
Broader Implications
These attacks are part of a larger pattern. Earlier this year, there were several unexplained explosions on ships carrying oil from the Black Sea. The Virat and the Kairos had both passed through the Bosphorus Strait into the Black Sea, a common route for sanctioned ships.
Additional Strike
In addition to the tanker attacks, there was also a strike on a mooring point at the Russian port of Novorossiysk. This port is a key hub for oil exports, including oil from Kazakhstan. The attack has forced Kazakhstan to redirect its oil exports to alternative routes.
Novorossiysk has been a frequent target for Ukrainian drones. The recent attacks highlight the ongoing tensions in the region and the strategic importance of controlling oil transportation routes.
