Ukraine Escalates Tactics: Naval Drones Target Russian Tankers in Black Sea

Sun Nov 30 2025 14:40:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Ukrainian forces have escalated their maritime operations by attacking two Russian oil tankers using naval drones, threatening the crucial oil supply chains that finance the Russian war effort.

In a significant escalation of tactics against Russia, Ukraine successfully struck two oil tankers affiliated with Russia's shadow fleet using naval drones in the Black Sea. The attacks were aimed at undermining Russia's oil revenues, which are vital for the ongoing conflict. Footage verified by the BBC captured the moment the drones made contact with the vessels, resulting in explosions and flames. This new tactic emphasizes Ukraine's ongoing efforts to challenge Russia's maritime oil transport operations amidst increasing international sanctions.

Ukrainian naval drones hit two oil tankers from Russia's so-called shadow fleet as they travelled through the Black Sea, Ukrainian officials have stated.

Verified footage shows waterborne drones racing through the waves towards the vessels, detonating upon impact and creating a massive fireball that spewed black smoke into the air.

The targeted tankers, identified by Turkish authorities as the Kairos and Virat, are both flagged to Gambia and were attacked off Turkey's coast on Friday, with the Virat reportedly hit again on Saturday. No casualties were reported.

This operation marks a significant escalation in Kyiv's tactics aimed at disrupting Russia's oil revenues, which are crucial for funding its military endeavors in Ukraine.

Both vessels are part of Russia's shadow fleet—a term referring to the numerous tankers used to facilitate oil sales while circumventing Western sanctions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These vessels often have obscure ownership and insurance statuses.

The Kairos was struck in a southwestern area of the Black Sea and the Virat further east. Both ships are recorded on lists subject to sanctions, according to London Stock Exchange data.

Sources have indicated that Ukrainian Sea Baby drones were utilized in the attacks, which are manufactured by Ukraine's security services, the SBU.

Turkish authorities confirmed their assistance to the vessels during the incident and released footage of their own boats attempting to extinguish the flames on the Kairos.

The Ukrainian strikes serve as a stark warning: ships carrying Russian oil in the Black Sea now risk direct assault, beyond just facing Western sanctions.

In a related development, a key oil consortium transporting products from the Caspian region announced the suspension of loading operations at the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk due to damage from drone attacks on their facilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced discussions are ongoing with a delegation led by top security official Rustem Umerov in the US to continue seeking resolutions to end the war.

This new phase of naval conflict underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the complexities surrounding maritime operations amid geopolitical strife.