(MEDITERRANEAN SEA) – Ukraine has released video footage showing a coordinated drone attack on the Russian shadow fleet tanker QENDIL in the Mediterranean, marking a further expansion of Kyiv’s maritime operations against Russian shipping linked to the war.
The video, filmed from an overhead reconnaissance drone, shows several unmanned aerial vehicles hovering above the tanker before dropping explosive projectiles onto the vessel. The attack does not appear to have involved high speed kamikaze drones, but rather bomber type drones releasing munitions from above. Initial online speculation suggested the use of Baba Yaga heavy drones, however closer inspection of the footage indicates that the drones involved were smaller and more consistent with FPV type platforms or similar systems adapted for bombing roles.
While the drones appear relatively small when seen above the tanker, analysts caution that the large size of the vessel may distort perception. Even so, the drones shown do not match the known dimensions of Baba Yaga systems, which are significantly larger. Despite their size, the projectiles proved effective. Separate footage previously released showed the tanker engulfed in flames after the strike, indicating that the munitions hit vulnerable or critical areas and triggered ignition.
Early online claims suggested that a senior figure from Russia’s military intelligence service may have been on board at the time of the attack. There is currently no confirmation of this, and subsequent reporting indicates that the tanker was empty when it was struck. Vessel tracking data circulated online shows the QENDIL departing from Port Said in Egypt and reportedly heading towards Ust Luga in Russia. This route makes it unlikely that a senior intelligence official was using the tanker for covert travel.
Observers note that the drones were clearly focused on damaging the ship itself rather than targeting individuals. Some analysts have suggested that rumours about a high profile passenger may have originated from misinformation, either unintentionally or as part of an effort by Russian information channels to shape narratives around the incident.
How Ukraine conducted the strike remains unconfirmed. One possibility is the use of a nearby commercial or cargo vessel acting as a launch platform for short range drones. Given the apparent range and size of the drones involved, this scenario is considered plausible. Another theory points to a more complex operation involving concealed drones deployed from shipping containers, activated when the tanker passed nearby. Ukrainian authorities have not commented on the specific method used.
The attack adds to a growing list of Ukrainian operations targeting Russian maritime assets. Ukraine has already pushed Russian naval forces out of much of the Black Sea, struck targets in the Caspian Sea, and previously damaged tankers linked to Russian oil exports. The Mediterranean strike suggests that Russia’s shadow fleet, used to move oil and bypass sanctions, now faces threats well beyond traditional combat zones.
The incident highlights the increasing reach of Ukraine’s drone capabilities and raises new questions about the security of Russian shipping routes. It also underscores the broader economic and logistical pressures facing Moscow as Ukraine continues to adapt and expand its use of unmanned systems in the war against the Russian dictator’s invasion.
Overview of drones
| Drone category | Approximate size | Observed role in attack |
|---|---|---|
| FPV type drones | Small to medium | Dropping explosive projectiles |
| Heavy bomber drones (Baba Yaga) | Large | Not clearly observed in footage |
No official damage assessment or response has been issued by Russian authorities at the time of writing.
