Kyiv has escalated its naval campaign against Moscow’s economic lifelines, claiming a successful strike on a vessel suspected of skirting international sanctions within the Black Sea.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed that its unmanned surface vessels (USVs) intercepted and disabled a tanker transporting oil toward the Russian port of Novorossiysk.
The operation took place within Ukraine’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), marking a significant shift in Kyiv's maritime strategy from targeting military warships to disrupting the energy exports that fund the Kremlin’s war machine.
The vessel, identified as the Dashan, was reportedly travelling at top speed under the cover of darkness with its Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders switched off—a common tactic used by ships attempting to obscure their location and cargo.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the tanker forms part of Russia’s so-called "shadow fleet". This flotilla of ageing, often under-insured vessels is used by Moscow to bypass the G7 price cap on Russian crude oil and maintain export revenues despite Western embargoes.
“The tanker sustained critical damage to its stern following a series of explosions,” an SBU source stated. Video footage released by Kyiv appears to show the pilot's view from a sea drone moments before impact, though independent verification of the damage remains pending.
Strategic Shift in the Black Sea
This incident represents the third such strike in just two weeks, signalling a concerted effort by Ukraine to enforce a blockade on Russian energy logistics in the region.
While earlier phases of the naval war focused on forcing the Russian Black Sea Fleet away from the Crimean coast and securing the grain corridor for Ukrainian exports, this new pattern suggests Kyiv is now directly targeting the revenue streams that sustain the Russian invasion.
Novorossiysk, the tanker’s intended destination, is a critical hub for Russia's oil exports and naval logistics. By threatening commercial shipping in these waters, Ukraine effectively raises the insurance premiums and logistical risks for companies continuing to trade with Russia.
Safety and Environmental Concerns
The strike highlights the growing volatility in the Black Sea. Maritime experts have long warned that the use of unregulated "shadow" vessels poses significant environmental risks due to their poor maintenance records and lack of standard insurance.
While Ukraine has not released details regarding potential casualties among the Dashan’s crew, the use of explosive naval drones against laden oil tankers marks a high-stakes evolution in the conflict.
Russian officials have not yet commented on the status of the Dashan, though Moscow typically condemns such incidents as acts of terrorism.
Azerbaijani families of people missing since the Garabagh conflict have taken their appeal to EU officials in Brussels, calling for greater interna...
A peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia could be signed in 2027 or 2028, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday, state news...
Kazakhstan is preparing sweeping military reforms after 14 service members died during exercises in the Caspian Sea. President Kassym-Jomart Tokaye...
Russia is willing in principle to resume peace talks with Ukraine and the United States in November, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said after President Vladimir Putin met U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff in St Petersburg.
Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight killed at least two people and injured 15 others, including two children, Ukrainian authorities said. Meanwhile, Russia said it had intercepted the vast majority of 630 Ukrainian drones launched towards Moscow.
Saudi Aramco has ordered staff to evacuate its headquarters amid escalating Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Two people were killed in an attack on Dammam airport, while Iran's IRGC Navy claimed strikes on seven vessels and warned the U.S. of a wider response.
Yemen's Houthis have denied targeting the holy city of Medina on Wednesday adding that they have not conducted any military operations towards Saudi Arabia either, denying earlier comments from the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
Georgia’s Constitutional Court in Batumi will on Wednesday hear a lawsuit seeking to ban five Georgian opposition parties, four of which collectively gained 784,820 votes (37.79 per cent) in the country’s last national elections in 2024.
Almost all of Taiwan shut down on Friday ahead of the arrival of Typhoon Champi, which is forecast to bring strong winds and torrential rain, and though the storm is weakening it could still make direct landfall on the island.
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order expanding access to tax-exempt diesel as soaring fuel prices frustrate voters ahead of the midterm elections. But farmers say using the fuel on public roads is too risky, while many other drivers cannot get hold of it.
The FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 will take place from 17 September to 9 October next year in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Friday.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that ‘illegitimate’ protests would be banned in the coming days. He blamed ‘seditious’ ultra-left groups and vandals for last weekend’s riots and looting, as authorities prepare for fresh demonstrations on Saturday.
Russian strikes on Ukraine overnight killed at least two people and injured 15 others, including two children, Ukrainian authorities said. Meanwhile, Russia said it had intercepted the vast majority of 630 Ukrainian drones launched towards Moscow.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment