Kyiv Claims Responsibility for Blasting Two Russian “Shadow Fleet” Tankers Near Turkey
World
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has taken responsibility for the explosions that disabled two Russian-linked oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, off the coast of Turkey. The reports were confirmed by Interfax-Ukraine and Suspilne, citing an SBU source.
According to Ukrainian officials, the operation was carried out using Sea Baby naval drones. The Kairos tanker, sanctioned by the UK and EU, and the Virat tanker, under U.S. and EU sanctions, sustained critical damage and have been effectively put out of service.
The source noted that the goal of the attack was to reduce Russia’s financial capability to continue the war. Kyiv estimates that the tankers could have transported nearly $70 million worth of oil, helping Moscow bypass international sanctions.
Earlier reports from Turkey confirmed damage to both vessels. NTV, citing its sources, stated that Virat was struck by naval drones.
Ukrainian drones also targeted a loading berth of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) in Novorossiysk. No oil leak occurred — safety systems automatically shut down the pipeline. However, the facility is now deemed unsuitable for further operation. Media outlets noted that the Kairos tanker was en route to Novorossiysk.
The CPC is a joint project involving Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States and several European countries. The terminal handles the bulk of Kazakhstan’s oil exports, though part of Russia’s crude is also transported through the same route.
The source noted that the goal of the attack was to reduce Russia’s financial capability to continue the war. Kyiv estimates that the tankers could have transported nearly $70 million worth of oil, helping Moscow bypass international sanctions.
Earlier reports from Turkey confirmed damage to both vessels. NTV, citing its sources, stated that Virat was struck by naval drones.
Ukrainian drones also targeted a loading berth of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) in Novorossiysk. No oil leak occurred — safety systems automatically shut down the pipeline. However, the facility is now deemed unsuitable for further operation. Media outlets noted that the Kairos tanker was en route to Novorossiysk.
The CPC is a joint project involving Russia, Kazakhstan, the United States and several European countries. The terminal handles the bulk of Kazakhstan’s oil exports, though part of Russia’s crude is also transported through the same route.
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