Ukraine hits Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker in Mediterranean with drones

Ukraine has carried out its first aerial drone strike on a Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea, reflecting a growing intensity in Kyiv’s attacks on Russian oil shipping, officials said on Friday (19 December).

The vessel, the Qendil, was empty when struck in neutral waters more than 2,000 km (1,250 miles) from Ukraine, sustaining critical damage, according to an official from Ukraine’s SBU security service.

MarineTraffic data indicated the tanker was off the coast of Libya, en route to the Russian port of Ust Luga in the Baltic Sea from Sikka, India. The Ukrainian official did not disclose the exact location or timing of the strike.

Overhead footage provided by Kyiv showed a small explosion on the deck of the tanker. 

Over 2024 and 2025, Ukrainian forces have attacked Russian oil refineries, and in recent weeks, Kyiv has expanded its operations to oil rigs in the Caspian Sea and sea-drone attacks on three tankers in the Black Sea.

These vessels, including the Oman-flagged Qendil, are part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”—unregulated ships Kyiv says are helping Moscow export large quantities of oil and fund its war in Ukraine despite Western sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to cut Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea in response to these tanker strikes, calling the attacks “piracy.”

There was no immediate comment from Moscow on the latest Mediterranean strike.

Experts say the widening use of drones in Ukraine’s maritime operations demonstrates Kyiv’s ability to strike Russian energy targets far from its borders, increasing pressure on Moscow’s logistics and highlighting the growing significance of unmanned systems in modern conflict.

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