Ukraine Says Drones Hit 12 Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers

Ukraine has claimed that its drones attacked 12 tankers linked to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" over the past two days. According to Kyiv's military, the vessels were transporting fuel to Crimea as Ukraine continues its efforts to disrupt Russian supply routes to the occupied peninsula.

Ukraine's drone forces said eight sanctioned vessels, each with a deadweight of around 7,000 metric tons, were struck in the Sea of Azov. Later the same day, two more tankers were also hit. These attacks followed strikes on two additional shadow fleet vessels in the same area one day earlier, bringing the total number of targeted tankers to 12 over two days.

Sea of Azov Remains a Key Russian Supply Route

The Sea of Azov is an important logistics route used by Russian forces to transport fuel, ammunition and other military supplies to Crimea and other Russian-controlled areas in southern Ukraine.

Ukraine has increased its attacks on military logistics and energy infrastructure in Crimea in recent weeks. According to Kyiv, these operations have contributed to fuel shortages on the peninsula and prompted local authorities to declare a state of emergency.

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Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, eight years before launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has not publicly commented on this week's reported attacks, which Ukraine said also targeted electrical substations, radar systems and missile installations.

Ukraine Aims to Disrupt Russian Naval Logistics

Last month, Ukraine's top drone commander, Robert Brovdi, told that Kyiv planned to effectively isolate Crimea from Russia through a sustained campaign of drone strikes.

Ukraine's drone forces released footage that they said showed vessels being hit and catching fire.

In a statement, Ukraine's drone forces said: "Striking the enemy's naval logistics complicates the supply of fuel and ammunition necessary to support the activities of Russian troops, primarily in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea."

Questions Raised Over Sanctioned Vessels

A reports review found that only two of the seven vessels initially identified as struck on Tuesday were under international sanctions.

Ukraine has repeatedly urged its international partners to take stronger action against ships that bypass sanctions to transport Russian oil to global markets.

Previous Attacks on Russian Oil Transport

Ukraine has previously used sea drones to target tankers carrying Russian oil in the Black Sea as part of its broader strategy to reduce Russia's energy revenues.

In recent months, several tankers that had previously visited Russian ports have also been damaged in unexplained explosions. Ukraine has neither confirmed nor denied involvement, although maritime security sources have said they suspect Kyiv was responsible.