Ukraine Russia Conflict: Russian oil tanker ‘Virat’ has been attacked by marine drone in the Black Sea. Ukraine has taken responsibility for this attack. The tanker suffered minor damage, the crew is safe, but this could prove to be a major blow to Russia’s oil transportation.
Russian Oil Tanker Attack: On Saturday, the Russian oil tanker ‘Virat’ was attacked by an unmanned drone in the Black Sea. The tanker called for help over the radio and said that it had faced a drone attack. However, the ship suffered minor damage and the crew is safe. This attack could prove to be a turning point in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Ukraine has taken responsibility for this operation and it is expected to have a major impact on Russia’s oil transportation.
Turkey said there was another attack
Türkiye’s Transport Ministry said Viraat had earlier been attacked about 35 nautical miles off the Black Sea coast. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said an external impact could mean the ship was hit by a mine, rocket, drone or unmanned underwater vehicle. However, Virat suffered minor damage and the tanker is in stable condition. The condition of the crew is also good.
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Ukraine claimed to have been attacked
According to AFP report, Ukraine has claimed responsibility for attacking the Shadow Flit tankers. This attack has come at a time when the US is under increasing pressure on Ukraine for a peace deal. An official of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said that this operation was carried out under a joint plan of SBU and Ukraine Navy. ‘Video footage shows that both tankers suffered severe damage after the attack and were out of service. This will deal a major blow to Russian oil transportation. Another source told AFP that a ‘modernized Sea Baby’ naval drone successfully targeted the ships. It can be seen in the video that the drones move towards the ships and then there is an explosion.
Shadow Flit and international sanctions
Both tankers fly the Gambian flag and are subject to Western sanctions. Oil exports are banned after Russia’s 2022 invasion. Ukraine has repeatedly appealed to the international community to take strict action on the ‘shadow flit’, as it helps oil exports to Russia to fund the war. According to the Kaiw Independent report, these tankers could transport oil worth about $70 million.
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