Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) struck a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in neutral waters of the Mediterranean Sea, marking the first such operation carried out at that distance from Ukraine. This was reported by Ukrainian media outlet hromadske, citing an inside source.
Russia’s so-called shadow fleet refers to tankers used to transport Russian oil outside Western sanctions regimes, allowing Moscow to continue exports and generate revenue.
SBU drones strike tanker 2,000 km from Ukraine
According to the source, the operation was conducted more than 2,000 kilometers from Ukrainian territory. Aerial drones hit the Russian tanker QENDIL in neutral Mediterranean waters.
The vessel reportedly sustained critical damage and can no longer be used for its intended purpose.
Empty vessel posed no environmental risk, source says
The tanker was reportedly empty at the time of the strike, meaning the operation did not pose an environmental risk in the area.
The source told hromadske that Russia had used the tanker to bypass sanctions and generate revenue to fund its war against Ukraine.
From the perspective of international law and the laws and customs of war, the source said, the tanker was a legitimate target. The source added that Russia should understand Ukraine would continue to strike its assets wherever they are located.
Shadow fleet uses flag changes and hidden ownership to bypass sanctions
Russia’s shadow fleet largely consists of aging tankers operating outside standard maritime oversight. Ownership structures are often concealed, flags are frequently changed, and insurance coverage is limited or unclear, complicating monitoring and enforcement.
These practices enable Russia to maintain oil exports despite EU and G7 restrictions, preserving a key revenue stream linked to the war effort.
European governments have relied mainly on sanctions, port access restrictions, and insurance controls to curb the fleet’s activity. In practice, these legal measures are slow to take effect and are often bypassed, limiting their effectiveness compared with direct operational action.
