Archive · 2 Dec 2025
Ukraine Attacks Russian Oil Tankers
Ukraine used special underwater drones to attack two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea.
These tankers are part of a group that Russia uses to ship oil even though other countries have put sanctions on them.
The attacks happened on Friday and Saturday, and both tankers were badly damaged.
One of the tankers, called the Virat, was hit twice.
Turkey, which is nearby, said the tanker had some damage but no fire and that the crew did not need to leave the ship.
Russia has not said anything about the attacks yet.
Ukraine hopes these attacks will make it harder for Russia to sell its oil.
There was also an explosion on another ship near Senegal, but it is not clear who did it.
Ukraine used Sea Baby maritime drones to strike two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea.
The attacks were a joint operation by Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and its navy.
Both tankers suffered critical damage and were knocked out of operation.
One tanker, the Gambian-flagged Virat, was hit twice and had minor damage above the waterline.
Turkey reported no fire on board and no request from the crew to abandon the ship.
- Who
- Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and Navy
- What
- Strikes on Russian oil tankers using underwater drones
- When
- Friday and Saturday
- Where
- Black Sea, 30 miles off Turkish coast
- Why
- To disrupt Russian oil exports and impact Russia's economy
Ukraine
Russia
Attack Justification
Ukraine
Ukraine aims to disrupt Russian oil exports to impact Russia's economy and funding for the war.
Russia
Russia views these attacks as aggressive acts against its civilian infrastructure and economic interests.
Sanctions Compliance
Ukraine
Ukraine supports international sanctions against Russia and targets vessels involved in evading these sanctions.
Russia
Russia argues that it is operating within legal frameworks and that the attacks are unjustified.
- Attack Method
- Sea Baby maritime drones
- Involved Parties
- Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) and Navy
- Targeted Vessels
- Two Russian oil tankers: Virat and Kairos
- Damage Reported
- Critical damage to both tankers, one with minor damage above the waterline
- Location of Attack
- Black Sea, 30 miles off Turkish coast
- Russian Response
- No immediate response
- Turkish Report
- Minor damage, no fire, no abandonment request
- Additional Incident
- Explosions on Mersin near Dakar, Senegal