Ukraine Steps Up Global Strikes on Sanctioned Russian Oil Tankers (Video)

(BLACK SEA) – Ukraine has struck a fourth Russian linked “shadow fleet” oil tanker within a week, marking a significant escalation in Kyiv’s drive to disrupt Russia’s global oil trade. The vessels, used to bypass sanctions, have been hit in multiple regions, stretching from the Black Sea to areas off the African coast.

Ukrainian authorities have openly claimed responsibility for several of the attacks by releasing drone footage, indicating a clear shift in targeted maritime strategy. According to analysts, more than 1,000 such tankers operate internationally, enabling Russia to continue exporting oil despite sanctions.

Footage published this week showed Ukraine striking two empty tankers travelling through Turkish waters towards Russian ports. Another tanker was damaged off the coast of Senegal after explosives were reportedly planted on the hull. All crew members were safely evacuated and the vessel was later towed to shore.

The fourth incident involved the Mid Volga 2, which was hit by an airborne drone in the Black Sea. Images released by the crew showed damage to the command deck and components of the drone recovered on board.

Recent Reported Tanker Strikes

Officials and analysts say the strikes signal Ukraine’s willingness to target Russian oil shipments far beyond the Black Sea, raising the possibility of future actions in the Baltic Sea, Arctic routes or the Indian Ocean.

Regional reactions have been mixed. Turkey and Kazakhstan have both urged Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian oil infrastructure that pass through or near their economic zones. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticised the strikes as a threat to navigation and environmental safety within Turkey’s exclusive economic zone.

Kazakhstan, which uses the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal at Novorossiysk to export oil, also objected after Ukrainian drones struck Russian operated sections of the terminal. Kazakhstan’s government warned that the attacks could disrupt its exports. However, the CPC later reported that some loading operations had resumed.

Ukraine dismissed Kazakhstan’s criticism, arguing that Russian forces have repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s own ports and export terminals.

Recent economic data from Russian energy companies shows falling profits in the first half of the year, reflecting both reduced export capacity and a series of strikes on refineries and infrastructure. Ukraine increased attacks on Russian refineries in August, September, October and November after a pause earlier in the year.

Reported Russian Energy Sector Profit Changes

Ukrainian officials argue that reducing Russia’s oil revenue is essential to limiting the Kremlin’s ability to finance its military operations. They believe that sustained pressure on Russia’s oil sector is the fastest route to forcing political change in Moscow.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian infrastructure, air defence systems and drone facilities. In recent days, Ukrainian drones struck Russian air defence sites in occupied Donbas and a torpedo plant in Dagestan. Ukrainian special forces also hit Shahed drone storage facilities in Crimea.

Meanwhile, reports from Russian front line units suggest growing strains. Intercepted messages indicate disputes between Russian units over supplies. Videos published by families of Russian soldiers describe shortages of food, water and basic equipment, with some relatives reporting entire units lost in recent operations.

Ukraine is continuing to develop its own drone technology, including interceptor drones capable of disabling faster Russian jet powered systems. Both sides are increasingly relying on drones for offensive and defensive operations, creating rapid technological evolution in the conflict.

Ukrainian leaders have stated that they will maintain pressure on Russia’s oil export routes and infrastructure despite international concern, insisting that reducing Russia’s revenue is central to ending the war.