Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Putin Threatens Ukraine After Drone Attacks on Russian Tankers
President Vladimir Putin of Russia has threatened to cut Ukraine off from the sea.
This threat comes after Ukraine used special underwater drones to attack two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea.
The tankers were part of Russia's 'shadow fleet,' which ships oil despite international sanctions.
Putin called the attacks 'piracy' and said Russia might take action against countries supporting Ukraine.
The attacks caused significant damage to the tankers, making them unable to operate.
One of the tankers, the Virat, was hit twice and is currently waiting for orders in the Black Sea.
The Virat has been sanctioned by the US, UK, and EU.
Putin also said Russia might strike more Ukrainian ports and ships.
Turkey, a NATO member, has condemned the attacks and discussed Black Sea safety with NATO.
Shipping insurance rates in the Black Sea have increased due to the attacks.
Putin threatened to cut Ukraine from the sea after Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian tankers.
Two Russian tankers were hit by Ukrainian Sea Baby maritime drones.
Putin called the attacks 'piracy' and threatened retaliatory measures.
One of the tankers, the Virat, was hit twice and is sanctioned by the US, UK, and EU.
Russia plans to expand strikes on Ukrainian ports and ships, while Turkey condemned the attacks and discussed Black Sea safety with NATO.
- Who
- Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian forces, Turkey, NATO
- What
- Threat to cut Ukraine from the sea after drone strikes on Russian tankers and discussions on Black Sea safety
- When
- After the drone strikes on Friday and Saturday, discussions on Wednesday
- Where
- Black Sea, Turkey's exclusive economic zone, Brussels
- Why
- In response to Ukrainian attacks on Russian tankers and concerns over Black Sea security
- Event
- Putin's threat to cut Ukraine from the sea
- Cause
- Ukrainian drone strike on Russian tankers
- Tankers Hit
- Two Russian tankers
- Drone Type
- Sea Baby maritime drones
- Russian Response
- Consider retaliatory measures and expand strikes on Ukrainian ports
- Sanctions on Virat
- Sanctioned by US, UK, and EU
- Turkey's Response
- Condemned attacks, discussed Black Sea safety with NATO
- Insurance Impact
- Black Sea shipping insurance rates higher