Black Sea, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces successfully struck a Russian oil tanker in the Black Sea on Wednesday, targeting a vessel belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” used to bypass Western sanctions. The operation, confirmed by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), employed Sea Baby maritime drones in a coordinated mission with the Ukrainian navy.

Third Strike on Russian Tankers in Two Weeks

The latest strike marks the third attack against Russian oil tankers in less than two weeks. The targeted vessel, the Dashan tanker, was flying the flag of the Comoro Islands and sustained critical damage, reportedly becoming disabled after the strike. Video released by the SBU shows a Sea Baby drone diving beneath the tanker, followed by a series of explosions in its stern, engulfing the vessel in thick smoke.

Ukrainian officials did not immediately confirm what cargo the ship carried or whether the strike caused an oil spill. The tanker had been traveling at full speed through Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone with its transponder switched off when it was attacked.

Targeting Russia’s Shadow Fleet

Russia has been operating a large fleet of tankers under various flags to clandestinely ship oil, circumventing Western sanctions aimed at cutting off revenue streams that support Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. The Dashan tanker was reportedly en route to Novorossiysk, a key Russian oil hub.

“The SBU continues to take active measures to reduce oil dollar revenues to the Russian budget,” a Ukrainian security official said. Ukrainian authorities noted that the strike dealt a “significant blow to the transportation of Russian oil,” following similar operations in late November.

Context Amid Ongoing War

The strike comes amid continued debate over the war’s trajectory. U.S. President Donald Trump recently claimed that Russia holds the “upper hand” and that Ukraine is “losing” the conflict. Ukrainian and European officials have disputed these claims, noting that although the battlefield situation remains challenging for Kyiv, there are no signs of a decisive Russian advantage.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue. U.S. and Ukrainian delegations held virtual talks on Wednesday to discuss post-war reconstruction and economic development in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the discussions as focused on “key elements for recovery, various mechanisms, and visions for reconstruction,” and thanked Trump and his team for their “substantive work and support.”

Strategic Implications

Analysts say these targeted attacks on Russian shadow fleet tankers represent a strategic effort by Ukraine to reduce Russian oil revenue, a critical source of funding for Moscow’s military operations. By disrupting clandestine oil shipments, Kyiv aims to increase economic pressure on Russia while continuing to defend its territory.

The Sea Baby maritime drone operation underscores Ukraine’s growing capabilities in precision maritime strikes, signaling that the conflict extends beyond conventional land and air battles into strategic economic targets.