The Security Service of Ukraine conducted a unique operation, using drones for the first time against the Russian tanker QENDIL in neutral waters of the Mediterranean Sea, over 2,000 kilometers from Ukrainian territory. This tanker belonged to the so-called shadow fleet of the Russian Federation, known for circumventing international sanctions. The SBU confirmed that the vessel was a legitimate target as it was used for illegal oil transportation. At the time of the attack, the QENDIL was not carrying any cargo, so the environmental situation in the region remained unaffected. As a result of the strike, the tanker sustained significant damage and lost its operational capabilities.
This is reported by Business • Media
Impact on Russian Oil Exports
Experts note that regular attacks on shadow fleet vessels could paralyze key maritime routes for Russian oil exports. According to rough estimates, the shadow fleet of the Russian Federation transports about 3.7 million barrels of oil daily, accounting for over 65% of the country’s total maritime exports, generating annual revenues of $87–100 billion.
“At the time of the special operation, the Russian vessel was not carrying any cargo, so the attack posed no threat to the environmental situation in the region.”
In response to the growing threat, the Russian Federation has begun altering the routes of its tankers, avoiding areas that could be targeted by Ukrainian maritime drones. In particular, vessels transporting oil through the Black Sea are now navigating along the coasts of Georgia and Turkey. Despite this, the Kremlin claims that Ukrainian strikes will not affect supplies; however, Russia plans to respond to such attacks.
Expansion of Ukrainian Drone Operations
In addition to attacks on maritime targets, Ukrainian drones continue to strike other strategic targets in Russia. Recently, SBU drones targeted two Russian Su-27 fighter jets at the Belbek airfield in Crimea, with a total estimated value of $70 million. Ukrainian forces also successfully attacked a patrol military ship of the “Okhotnik” project and a drilling platform in the Caspian Sea, while one of the world’s largest ammonia production plants – “TolyattiAzot” in the Samara region of Russia – was also hit.
In the Volgograd region of Russia, the main gas pipeline “Central Asia – Center” was recently put out of service, which was key for importing up to 12 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Central Asia. After 2022, Russia used this route for reverse schemes, purchasing gas from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to meet its own energy needs. Due to the damage, gas transit through this route has now been completely halted.