Two tankers of Russia's shadow fleet hit by Ukraine's Security Service maritime drones – Ukrainska Pravda source

Two tankers belonging to Russia's shadow fleet have been blown up in a special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU)

Source: Ukrainska Pravda sources in the SSU

Details: Sources say that SSU Sea Baby maritime drones struck two sanctioned oil tankers, Kairo and Virat, in the Black Sea. Both vessels are part of Russia's shadow fleet.

Quote: "This was a joint operation by the SSU's 13th Main Directorate of military counterintelligence and the Ukrainian Navy. Upgraded Sea Baby maritime drones were successfully used against the vessels. They can travel long distances and are equipped with reinforced warheads."

More details: Video footage shows that both tankers have suffered critical damage and have effectively been put out of service after the strikes. This will deal a significant blow to the transport of Russian oil.

The sanctioned vessels sailed empty during the attack — they were heading to be loaded at Novorossiysk port.

Quote: "SSU continues active efforts to cut Russia's financial capacity to wage war against Ukraine. Sea Baby maritime drones have disabled vessels that could carry nearly US$70 million worth of oil and that have helped the Kremlin circumvent international sanctions."

Background:

• Earlier, two sanctioned tankers caught fire in the Black Sea off the coast of Türkiye as a result of external strikes.
• It has also been reported that Ukraine has blocked Russia's bid for membership of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the UN agency responsible for maritime safety, 2026-2027.

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