Ukraine hit two sanctioned Russian tankers just hours before drones struck a major oil terminal.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s Novorossiysk marine terminal suspended operations after sea drones attacked at 4AM, local media reported.
Naval drone strikes on the Black Sea tankers amplified pressure on Russia’s shipping and oil network.
Rapid Response Saves Tanker Crews
Coast guard and rescue teams quickly saved crews after the drone strikes triggered extensive operations.
The Gambia-flagged Kairos exploded and caught fire 28 nautical miles off Kocaeli, sailing empty from Egypt to Novorossiysk.
Minutes later, the Virat suffered a separate strike about 35 nautical miles off the Turkish coast.
Officials identify both ships as sanctioned vessels within Russia’s aging fleet that evades international oil restrictions.
Sanctions and Ukrainian Intelligence in Action
The US sanctioned Virat in January, followed by the EU, Switzerland, the UK, and Canada, OpenSanctions reports.
The EU sanctioned Kairos in July, with the UK and Switzerland following afterward.
A Ukrainian security official says Kyiv deployed Sea Baby drones carrying oil valued at over €60 million.
The official, speaking anonymously, confirmed intelligence continues active measures to reduce Russia’s financial power for war.
