By: The Trek News Desk
Ukraine has intensified pressure on Russia’s wartime economy by launching drone strikes on two tankers believed to be part of Moscow’s covert “shadow fleet.” Ukrainian officials say specialised naval drones rammed directly into the vessels, triggering large explosions that sent thick smoke billowing over the Black Sea.
Turkish authorities identified the targeted tankers as Kairos and Virat; both registered under the flag of Gambia. The strikes occurred off the Turkish coast on Friday, while the Virat reportedly sustained a second hit on Saturday. No casualties were reported.
A Direct Hit on Russia’s Oil Revenues
Analysts interpret the operation as a calculated effort by Kyiv to disrupt a crucial financial lifeline for Russia, its oil trade.
The two tankers are among dozens of ageing ships used to bypass Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine. These vessels often have murky ownership structures and questionable insurance, making them difficult to track.
The Kairos was hit in the southwestern Black Sea, while the Virat was struck further east. Data from the London Stock Exchange lists both tankers among ships covered under international sanctions.
According to Ukrainian sources, the attack was executed with Sea Baby naval drones, custom-built devices engineered by Ukraine’s security service, the SBU.
Turkey released footage showing its coast guard attempting to extinguish a raging fire aboard the Kairos shortly after the strike.
A Warning Shot for Russia’s Black Sea Operations
Security experts say the attacks send a strategic message: vessels transporting Russian oil in the Black Sea may now face direct military risk, not just financial penalties from Western nations.
In a related development, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium halted loading operations at Russia’s Novorossiysk port after unmanned boats damaged one of its mooring points overnight. The consortium comprises major stakeholders from Russia and Kazakhstan, as well as Western giants such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister, Aibek Smadiyarov, condemned the incident, calling it the third such attack, and warned that it jeopardises the region’s “stable and uninterrupted” energy supply. He said the strike had strained relations with Ukraine and urged Kyiv to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
New Twist in U.S.–Ukraine Diplomacy
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a delegation led by national security chief Rustem Umerov is heading to the United States for continued talks on a framework to end the war.
Umerov replaces outgoing chief negotiator Andriy Yermak, who resigned after an anti-corruption search at his residence.
The Ukrainian team is set to meet U.S. officials in Florida on Sunday, while President Trump’s overseas envoy Steve Witkoff prepares for diplomatic discussions in Moscow next week.
Source: News Agencies
