Alleged Ukrainian Strikes on Russia's Secretive Oil Fleet Outside Its Borders

Ukraine is said to have undertaken several assaults on Russian oil tankers located near the shores of Turkey and Africa. This appears to be a move aimed at disrupting what is widely regarded as Russia's covert fleet, utilized to bypass global sanctions and continue oil trading, as articulated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's prior calls for allies to counteract the vessels evading sanctions.

Earlier, Ukraine targeted fuel transports within Russian ports and territories to disrupt a key funding stream for Moscow's military endeavors. However, recent actions, as reported by Ukrainian media citing intelligence agencies, have shifted these operations beyond Russian territorial waters.

International sanctions by the US and Europe have targeted numerous vessels associated with this clandestine fleet, accusing them of breaching embargoes on Russian oil transactions, seizing Ukrainian grain, and potentially engaging in espionage.

In October, President Zelenskyy declared that Kyiv’s intelligence services were sharing data with European allies to bolster initiatives against Russian infiltration.

On Tuesday, Bulgarian media reported the stranded state of a sanctioned oil tanker, Kairos, off Bulgaria’s coastline following the detachment of a Turkish tugboat. This occurrence was after the tanker was pulled from Turkish waters in the Black Sea.

According to the Ukrainian outlet Hromadske, Ukrainian 'Sea Baby' drones allegedly hit the Kairos and another vessel named Virat in separate incidents in November, based on information from the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

"Naval drones from the SBU actively seek to cripple Russia's financial sources that fuel their warfare," an SBU contact conveyed, stating that they halted ships potentially transporting oil valued at nearly $70 million.

Verification via shipping data supported claims from Bulgarian sources, indicating the separation of the tugboat occurred six miles from Bulgaria's territory. The stranded Kairos faced harsh weather, complicating rescue operations for its crew.

In Senegal, reports emerged of the tanker Mersin encountering multiple detonations while anchored. The crew remains safe despite seawater flooding its engine compartments.

The Mersin came from Russia's Taman port in August, reaching Senegal in September, and has anchored since. Although lacking sanction status, vessels of its managing company, BesiktasShipping, face scrutiny for risk-heavy operations.

Footage shared online depicts the Mersin sinking, although direct source authentication from CBS is pending. Yet, the visibly submerged tanker name is noticeable in the shared videos.

Ukraine has remained silent publicly regarding responsibility for the explosions in the troubled maritime regions, spanning both the Black Sea and African waters.

Besiktas Shipping immediately ended all maritime operations relating to Russia, citing heightened security threats in those areas.

Despite adhering to Russian oil shipment restrictions, the company acknowledged significant regional instability, rendering their maritime engagements too hazardous.

European authorities have sanctioned many vessels suspected of furthering Russia's covert operations, though Europe-wide enforcement and inspection regulations are not yet active.

Reports tie shadow fleet activities to drone sightings and attempted intrusions within European airspace, a concern heightened during President Zelenskyy's previous visit.

Both the EU and US authorities raise alarms over alleged Russian incursions, emphasizing their impact both at sea and across European territories.