Ukraine Strikes Two Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Oil Tankers Near Novorossiysk

Ukrainian forces have successfully struck two Russian oil tankers near the port of Novorossiysk, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The operation targeted vessels used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions.

Key points

• The operation was directed by the Chief of the General Staff, Andriy Hnatov, with participation from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian Navy.
• The targeted tankers were part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' and were actively used for oil transportation.
• Ukraine has previously conducted a series of successful drone attacks on Russian oil tankers in the Black and Mediterranean Seas.

Why it matters

The strike represents a continued effort by Ukraine to disrupt Russia's ability to export oil and bypass international economic sanctions through its shadow fleet.