Archive · 30 Nov 2025
Ukraine Attacks Russian Oil Tankers
Ukraine used special underwater drones to attack two big ships, called tankers, that were carrying oil for Russia.
These ships are part of what's called Russia's 'shadow fleet,' which helps Russia sell oil even though many countries have put sanctions on them.
The attacks happened in the Black Sea, near Turkey.
One of the ships, called the Virat, was hit twice but didn't catch fire.
The other ship, called the Kairos, had a big fire, and all the people on it had to leave.
Ukraine said the ships were empty and on their way to get more oil.
The attacks are part of Ukraine's efforts to stop Russia from selling oil.
Meanwhile, another group called the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) stopped working because a part of its terminal was damaged by a drone attack.
The CPC sends oil from Kazakhstan through Russia.
Kazakhstan told Ukraine to stop attacking the CPC terminal, saying it was harming their relationship and the terminal was a civilian facility protected by international law.
Ukraine did not comment on Kazakhstan's statement.
Ukraine targeted two Russian-linked oil tankers, Virat and Kairos, in the Black Sea using underwater drones.
The attacks caused critical damage, taking both tankers out of service; the Kairos caught fire and all 25 crew members were evacuated.
Ukraine claims the tankers were empty and heading to Novorossiysk to load crude for export.
The attacks are part of Ukraine's strategy to disrupt Russia's oil exports, which continue despite Western sanctions.
Kazakhstan protested Ukraine's drone attack on the CPC terminal, calling it a violation of international law and a harm to bilateral relations.
- Who
- Ukraine's Security Service (SBU)
- What
- Targeted two Russian-linked oil tankers and a CPC terminal
- When
- Friday and Saturday, November 28-29, 2025
- Where
- Black Sea
- Why
- To disrupt Russia’s oil exports and undermine a key source of income for the Russian war economy
Ukraine
Russia and Kazakhstan
Justification of Attacks
Ukraine
Ukraine justifies its attacks on Russian oil infrastructure as necessary for its existence, citing Russia's targeting of Ukraine's energy sector ahead of winter.
Russia and Kazakhstan
Russia and Kazakhstan view the attacks as terrorism and a violation of international law, harming bilateral relations and global oil supplies.
- Organization
- Ukraine's Security Service (SBU)
- Location
- Black Sea
- Damage
- Critical damage to two tankers and CPC terminal
- Impact
- Tankers and CPC terminal taken out of service
- Tankers
- Virat, Kairos
- Injuries
- None reported
- Oil Spill
- None reported
- CPC Shareholders
- Russian, Kazakh, and U.S. shareholders including KazMunayGas, Chevron, Lukoil, and ExxonMobil
- Kazakhstan's Oil Exports
- 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports via CPC
Sources
CPC says oil exports halted at Black sea terminal, equipment heavily damaged by drones
‘This is Virat, help needed’: Ukrainian sea drones smash into Russian tanker off Turkish coast, dramatic visuals go viral
Ukraine says its drones hit two tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet in the Black Sea
Ukraine hits two Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tankers with naval drones
Ukraine hits two Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tankers with naval drones
Ukraine claims hit on Russian ‘shadow fleet’ black sea tankers
Kazakhstan criticises Ukraine over drone attack on CPC oil terminal