Kyiv Claims Underwater Drone Strikes on Russian Tankers in the Black Sea

Ukraine says its forces carried out a coordinated attack on Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers in the Black Sea, using underwater drones in what officials describe as a targeted operation against vessels supporting Moscow’s war economy.

According to Ukrainian defense officials, the strike was aimed at tankers allegedly involved in transporting sanctioned Russian oil through covert routes. Kyiv argues that these ships are part of a wider logistical network helping Moscow evade international restrictions and finance its military operations.

The reported operation involved specialized submersible drones designed to approach vessels below the surface, minimizing detection. Ukrainian officials claim the drones struck at least two tankers, causing significant damage and forcing Russian maritime authorities to reroute several transport routes as a precaution.

Russia has not publicly confirmed the incident, but pro-government media acknowledged “unidentified disruptions” involving commercial vessels in the region. Moscow has previously accused Ukraine of targeting civilian maritime traffic, while Kyiv insists it is striking only vessels directly tied to the Russian military or state-controlled industries.

The attack marks another escalation in the increasingly contested Black Sea, where Ukraine has expanded its use of drones—both aerial and naval—to challenge Russian dominance despite lacking a conventional navy. These tactics have enabled Kyiv to disrupt shipping routes, oil infrastructure, and military assets far from its coastline.

International observers say the latest incident highlights growing risks to regional trade and energy markets. Analysts warn that continued strikes on Russia’s covert oil fleet could push global shipping insurers and carriers to reassess routes through the area.

For Ukraine, the operation is being presented as a strategic success: a blow to Russia’s wartime revenue streams and a demonstration of Kyiv’s ability to innovate on the battlefield. As tensions intensify, both sides appear prepared for further confrontations in the waters that have become one of the war’s most unpredictable fronts.

Author: M.J