Security Service of Ukraine’s drone strikes hit Russian tanker in Black Sea – video

A Sea Baby naval drone operated by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) struck the crude oil tanker Blue, which is part of Russia's so-called shadow fleet, on the morning of 8 July.

Source: SSU press service

Details: It is reported that at the time of the strike, the vessel was located near Yalta in temporarily occupied Crimea, within Ukraine's exclusive economic zone. The Sea Baby drone hit the stern of the tanker, causing significant damage. According to the SSU, Russian aircraft attempted to intercept the naval drone, but without success.

The tanker Blue is under sanctions imposed by the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Ukraine for transporting Russian oil in circumvention of international sanctions. It belongs to the Suezmax class of large tankers used to carry substantial volumes of crude oil and petroleum products.

Quote: "Strikes on shadow fleet vessels are part of the SSU's systematic efforts to reduce the economic capacity of the aggressor state. It is through such tankers that Russia circumvents international sanctions and generates billions in oil export revenues, which are used to finance the war against Ukraine.

From the perspective of international law, as well as the laws and customs of war, such vessels are legitimate military targets. Each successful strike reduces the Kremlin's oil revenues, increases the cost of Russian military logistics and weakens the financial basis for continuing its aggression."

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