Ukrainian long-range drones struck eight oil tankers in the Sea of Azov that Kyiv said were part of the Kremlin’s “shadow fleet” of sanctioned vessels sent to deliver fuel to the Russia-controlled Crimean Peninsula.
Maj. Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, said Tuesday the drone strikes achieved “industrial level” results. In addition to the eight damaged oil tankers, their drones struck a cargo ship and a ferry.
“The fuel tanks are badly damaged, burning,” Maj. Brovdi posted on Telegram. “The battle for gasoline for Crimea in the Sea of Azov continues.”
Ukrainian officials identified the oil tankers and said they were under international sanctions.
The mission was part of a Ukrainian campaign to target oil terminals in Kerch, a major seaport city in eastern Crimea; isolate the peninsula; and disrupt Russian military supply lines. It has resulted in the suspension of civilian fuel sales on the occupied peninsula.
Russia says Ukraine is committing terrorism by targeting oil tankers, but officials in Kyiv said the vessels were being used to support Moscow’s war efforts, making them legitimate targets.
