Ukraine launched naval drones against two oil tankers hours before a Russian terminal attack.
Sea drones struck the Caspian Pipeline Consortium terminal in Novorossiysk around 4AM, forcing Russia to halt operations.
Local media report the terminal shutdown follows the escalating attacks on Russian shipping in the Black Sea.
Tanker Blasts Prompt Swift Rescue Efforts
Coast guard and rescue teams quickly saved crews after the tankers sustained heavy damage.
The Gambia-flagged Kairos exploded and caught fire 28 nautical miles off Turkey’s Kocaeli province while empty.
Minutes later, the Virat tanker suffered a separate strike 35 nautical miles off the Turkish coast.
Authorities classify both vessels as part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to bypass international oil sanctions.
Sanctions and Ukrainian Intelligence Target Russian Oil
OpenSanctions reports the US sanctioned Virat in January, followed by the EU, UK, Switzerland, and Canada.
The EU imposed sanctions on Kairos in July, followed by the UK and Switzerland.
A Ukrainian security official says Kyiv deployed Sea Baby drones capable of transporting over €60 million of oil.
The official adds Ukrainian intelligence continues actively restricting Russia’s financial ability to sustain its war.
