Ukraine strikes two Russian shadow fleet tankers in Black Sea

Ukrainian naval drones have struck two Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Black Sea, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The SBU identified the targeted vessels as the tankers Louise 1 and Banda.

The SBU stated that these strikes are part of a systematic effort to deprive Russia of funds for its war in Ukraine, noting that the shadow fleet transports Russian oil and fills the aggressor state's budget. The agency emphasized that each strike on the shadow fleet directly impacts Russia's ability to continue its aggression.

These attacks come amid a significant escalation in Ukraine's operations against Russian shipping. Reports from Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, detail daily drone strikes on Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov as part of a campaign to disrupt logistics and supply to occupied Crimea. As of July 14, Brovdi reported that Ukrainian drones had attacked 116 vessels in the Sea of Azov. This campaign was extended to the Black Sea on July 15, with 20 vessels reportedly targeted overnight.