Ukraine's Security Service strikes major Russian shadow fleet tanker with naval drone – video

Ukraine's Security Service (SSU) has struck the Russian shadow fleet tanker Avero in the Black Sea using a naval drone and also carried out drone strikes on three oil depots in Russia's Stavropol Krai.

Source: SSU

Details: The SSU did not specify when the strike took place.

"The tanker Avero was involved in transporting Russian crude oil during the oil embargo imposed by the G7 countries and the European Union. The vessel carried oil to China and India, among other destinations," the SSU said.

The Mamai uncrewed surface vessel was used in the attack.

"These shadow fleet vessels help the Kremlin circumvent international restrictions, maintain its oil exports and generate revenue to finance the war," the security service said.

The SSU added that the Avero is the fourth Russian shadow fleet tanker struck by the security service over the past 10 days.

Quote: "All of these vessels belong to the Suezmax class – large oil tankers used to transport substantial volumes of crude oil and petroleum products."

Details: In addition, SSU drones attacked three oil depots in Stavropol Krai, around 600 km from Ukraine's state border.

Large fires broke out at all three sites, with explosions and fuel storage tanks catching fire.

The SSU said the operations are intended to disrupt Russian oil exports, reduce Russia's oil revenues and limit the Russian military's ability to supply its forces with fuel.

Background: On 16 July, the SSU reported that, together with the Ukrainian Navy, it had two tankers from Russia's shadow fleet – the Louise 1 and the Banda - and released footage of the operation.

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