Ukraine Launches First Successful Drone Attack on Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in Mediterranean

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has, for the first time, successfully targeted a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker using drones in the neutral waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

According to an informed source who spoke to hromadske on December 19, the operation took place more than 2,000 kilometers from Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian drones struck the Russian tanker, QENDIL, in the Mediterranean's neutral waters, causing significant damage and rendering the vessel inoperable.

At the time of the strike, the tanker was empty and not transporting any cargo, so the attack did not pose any environmental risk to the region.

“Russia used this tanker to circumvent sanctions and earn money that funded its war against Ukraine. From the perspective of international law and the laws of warfare, this was a completely legitimate target for the SBU. The enemy must understand that Ukraine will not stop and will strike at any point in the world, no matter where it is,” the source emphasized.

A day eralier, Russian oil tanker was set on fire overnight at the port of Rostov-on-Don following a large-scale drone attack, as reported by regional governor Yuriy Slyusar.

Slyusar confirmed that the tanker was damaged during the assault, resulting in the deaths of two crew members and injuries to three others. Rostov's Mayor Aleksandr Skryabin later verified that the fire occurred aboard the tanker, with emergency services working to contain the blaze.

Skryabin further stated that the ship was docked at a pier in the city's western residential area when the attack took place. Preliminary reports indicate that authorities were able to prevent an oil spill from occurring.

Previously, Ukraine’s Security Service located and confiscated a foreign vessel involved in Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which was unlawfully transporting Ukrainian agricultural goods from the temporarily occupied Crimea.

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