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Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Hugs NATO Coastline to Evade Ukrainian Drones
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
A Russian-flagged oil tanker identified as part of Moscow’s shadow fleet navigated unusually close to Turkey’s coastline while crossing the Black Sea in January, according to satellite-tracking data from MarineTraffic and analysis by open-source intelligence group TankerTrackers.
The vessel, named STRATEG (IMO 9589750), followed a route parallel to the southern Black Sea shore between January 15 and 30, never venturing into the open sea.
The irony of seeing a Russian-flagged tanker sail as close as possible to a NATO coastline in order to avoid an attack by Ukrainian drones.#OOTT #Tankers #Russia #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/9WUZ2g6LPO
— TankerTrackers.com, Inc. (@TankerTrackers) January 30, 2026
According to TankerTrackers, this navigation pattern may have been intended to reduce the risk of drone attacks by staying within the air defense envelope of NATO member Turkey.
“It’s interesting to watch a Russian-flagged tanker hug the NATO coastline to avoid Ukrainian drones,” the group noted in a social media post.
Built in 2011, STRATEG is a crude oil tanker sailing under the Russian flag. Its recent voyage adds to a growing body of evidence highlighting how Russian-linked vessels have adopted evasive maritime strategies in response to Western sanctions and the risk of interdiction or attack.
According to Bloomberg, another Russian-associated tanker, Chariot Tide, experienced mechanical difficulties on January 21 near the Moroccan port of Tangier while attempting to enter the Mediterranean.
The vessel’s speed dropped below two knots and its navigation status was updated to “Not Under Command,” signaling a loss of control and inability to maneuver safely. It was later reclassified as “Damaged or Under Repair,” raising concerns among European maritime regulators.
Earlier this month, Ukraine’s military intelligence published data identifying 66 vessels tied to shadow fleet operated by Russia, Iran, and Venezuela that are allegedly transporting oil in violation of sanctions and linked to illegal maritime activities, including the theft of Ukrainian grain and breaches of Ukraine’s state border.
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-33982f75efb8af66c00c607967c724b8.png "Fragmentation of Russia’s Luch reconnaissance satellite captured on January 30, 2026. (Photo: S2A Systems)")
