A video circulating on social media captured a dramatic drone attack on a Russian tanker in the Black Sea, just one day after a Russian warship was also targeted. The increase in attacks in the region is a result of Moscow’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain deal, which allowed Ukrainian grain exports through the shipping hub.
The strike on the Russian oil and chemical tanker occurred in the Kerch Strait, causing a temporary halt in traffic on the bridge connecting occupied Crimea to Russia. The vessel, named SIG, was hit by a drone around 11:20 pm on Friday. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and no oil spillage occurred. The attack left a hole at the waterline near the engine room.
The Ukrainian Security Service confirmed the use of a sea drone in the attack, while the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) chief stated that such attacks were “absolutely logical” and “completely legal,” without directly claiming responsibility.
On a separate note, another Russian navy ship, Olenegorsky Gornyak, was targeted near the city of Novorossiysk. The strike, conducted by Ukraine’s Security Service and navy, resulted in serious damage to the vessel, making it the largest Russian naval ship to be damaged or destroyed since April 2022.
Experts believe that the first attack on Russian oil infrastructure is unlikely to have a significant impact on the market. However, they anticipate that Russia will downplay the damage while justifying its continued military operations.
In response to these attacks, Ukraine’s naval forces have warned of future strikes in specific areas of the Black Sea. Russia, on the other hand, continues to enforce a naval blockade on Ukrainian shipping as tensions escalate.
The situation remains fluid, and specific details regarding the attacks and their aftermath are being closely monitored.