Ukraine has launched a bold attack on a Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker, the Qendil, in the Mediterranean Sea, marking a significant escalation in its campaign against Russia’s oil shipping. The attack, carried out using aerial drones, is the first of its kind in the Mediterranean and reflects Ukraine’s growing intensity in targeting Russian maritime assets. The Qendil, an Oman-flagged tanker, was empty at the time of the attack and sustained critical damage, rendering it inoperable.
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the tanker was a legitimate target due to its involvement in circumventing Western sanctions and financing Russia’s war efforts. The SBU emphasized that the operation was conducted in neutral waters, posing no environmental threat. This latest strike is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to disrupt Russia’s oil exports and weaken its economy.
The attack has sparked concerns about the safety of shipping lanes and the potential for further escalation. Russia has threatened to sever Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea in response to such attacks, which it deems “piracy”. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with European leaders and security experts warning that Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ has been used for sabotage and hostile activities across Europe.
