Ukraine Strikes Four Tankers as Russia Tries to Restart Its Black Sea Oil Lifeline

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces struck four tankers operating in the Black and Azov seas, expanding a maritime campaign that has now targeted 205 Russian cargo vessels since early July, the commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, reported on July 30.

According to Militarnyi, the operation was likely carried out by the 9th Kairos Battalion of the 414th Unmanned Systems Brigade, known as Madyar’s Birds.

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation MoLoChKa, Ukraine’s sustained campaign against vessels supporting Russian oil exports and military logistics. According to Brovdi, 205 cargo ships have been hit since the operation began on July 6.

The latest attacks may be connected to Russia’s attempt to resume operations at Sheskharis, its largest Black Sea oil terminal, after activity there was previously disrupted amid intensified Ukrainian strikes on shipping in the Black and Azov seas.

The Caspian Pipeline Consortium reported that the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker NISSOS SIFNOS was struck, sparking a fire on its cargo deck and forcing oil-loading operations to stop.

The MARATHI, sailing under the Isle of Man flag, was also reportedly hit roughly seven miles from the consortium’s offshore terminal while approaching to load oil.

Previously, reports emerged that Russian authorities were considering equipping civilian grain carriers operating in the Sea of Azov with military-grade defensive equipment, including heavy machine guns and mobile missile launchers, as Ukrainian drone attacks continue to disrupt one of the country’s key export routes.

Protect Ukrainian Skies

Subscribe to Sky Defense