Ukraine has disabled a Russian-linked oil tanker operating in the Black Sea, marking the third strike on Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” in two weeks, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

The Dashan tanker, already under EU and British sanctions, was sailing at full speed toward the Russian port of Novorossiysk with its transponder switched off when it was hit by Ukrainian sea drones inside Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone.

A Ukrainian security source said Sea Baby maritime drones were used in a joint operation by the SBU and the navy. The source added that the tanker’s stern suffered “critical damage” and it appeared to be “disabled”.

Video footage showed drones approaching the vessel before a series of explosions struck the stern, sending thick smoke over the tanker. Maritime security sources confirmed the strike and said the Dashan was part of the unregulated Russian “shadow fleet”, which moves oil in defiance of Western sanctions. At the time, the ship was flying the Comoro Islands flag.

Reuters verified the tanker’s identity by comparing deck layout, cranes, and structures with previous images. The SBU and ship-tracking data confirmed the timing and location. There was no immediate information about casualties or oil spills.

Officials said the Dashan was the third tanker hit recently as Ukraine tries to limit Russian oil revenues. The SBU stated the operation was part of ongoing efforts to reduce Russia’s “oil dollar” income.

The attack followed two strikes in late November on other shadow-fleet tankers, which officials said dealt a significant blow to Russian oil transport.

Video Credits: Reuters/Facebook

War insurance costs for ships in the Black Sea have risen sharply, with insurers reviewing policies daily due to the growing risks. Ukraine has also used long-range aerial drones to attack Russian oil refineries far from the front lines, and these tanker strikes show a new maritime front in the war.

Since December 2024, at least seven other tankers visiting Russian ports have suffered explosions, including in the Mediterranean. Maritime sources believe those attacks involved limpet mines, though Ukraine has not confirmed or denied involvement.

Russia has not commented on the strike. President Vladimir Putin warned last week that Ukraine’s attacks on tankers could lead Moscow to block Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea, calling the strikes acts of piracy.

The attack came after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Russia had the “upper hand” in the war and that Ukraine was “losing”. Ukrainian and European officials disputed this, saying there is no evidence that Russia is close to victory, though the situation for Ukraine remains difficult.

Despite the conflict, diplomatic talks continue. President Zelensky said U.S. and Ukrainian delegations met virtually to discuss post-war reconstruction and economic plans. The U.S. team included Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Jared Kushner, and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.

Zelensky added that both sides discussed recovery ideas and reviewed a 20-point framework for ending the war. He thanked the U.S. delegation for their support.

References: Reuters, CNN