Ukraine Claims Responsibility for Strikes on Two Russian Oil Tankers in Black Sea

Ukraine on Saturday claimed responsibility for an attack on two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea, escalating its campaign against what Kyiv describes as Russia’s “shadow fleet”, vessels used by Moscow to circumvent Western sanctions on its oil exports.

According to Ukrainian officials, the strikes were carried out using “Sea Baby” naval drones in a joint operation between the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian Navy. The attack targeted the tankers Kayeros and Verat, both previously sanctioned by the United States and the European Union for transporting Russian crude following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Turkish authorities confirmed that the incident occurred within an exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, roughly 52–65 kilometers off the Turkish coast, but not within Turkish territorial waters.

Officials said the Verat sustained minor damage above the waterline on its starboard side with no fire reported. The Kayeros, however, caught fire late Friday, prompting the evacuation of 25 crew members, all of whom were reported safe.

Both tankers were en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk to load fresh cargo, underscoring their role in Moscow’s efforts to bypass sanctions and maintain oil flows to global buyers.

The attack comes as Russia faces growing challenges to secure maritime insurance and maintain export volumes, while Ukraine intensifies operations aimed at disrupting the country’s wartime revenue streams. Kyiv has increasingly targeted Russian oil infrastructure, viewing it as central to Moscow’s ability to finance the conflict.

Analysts warn that such strikes could disrupt the flow of Russian oil into global markets and heighten maritime security risks in the Black Sea. Rising geopolitical tension may also pressure oil and gas prices in Europe, particularly amid concerns over the vulnerability of regional supply routes.

In recent days, additional strain has been placed on Russia’s export capacity after damage to three loading berths near Novorossiysk, further tightening the supply outlook.

The Black Sea has become a focal point of economic warfare between Kyiv and Moscow, as precision strikes using naval drones and long-range missiles grow more frequent. For Ukraine, targeting Russia’s oil fleet aims to raise the economic cost of war and impede Moscow’s ability to sidestep international restrictions.

Turkish authorities released images of the burning Kayeros, though no significant marine pollution has been detected.