Ukraine hits Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tankers abroad
Ukraine’s SBU and Navy used “Sea Baby” naval drones to strike sanctioned oil tankers Kairos and Virat in the Black Sea in late November, part of a campaign against Russia’s sanction‑evading “shadow fleet,” Ukrainian sources told CBS News. The Kairos ran aground Dec. 5 off Ahtopol, Bulgaria after a Turkish tug detached in Bulgarian waters, prompting Bulgarian Navy airlifts, while separate late‑November explosions damaged the tanker Mersin off Senegal, whose crew was rescued and which still holds about 30,000 tons of diesel.
📌 Key Facts
- SBU told CBS the joint SBU–Ukrainian Navy operation disabled the Kairos and Virat using 'Sea Baby' drones.
- The sanctioned tanker Kairos grounded Dec. 5 off Bulgaria’s coast without heat or power; Bulgarian Navy airlifted crew amid poor weather.
- Tanker Mersin suffered explosions off Dakar; Besiktas Shipping said seawater flooded its engine room but the vessel remained 'safe' with ~30,000 tons of diesel aboard.
📊 Relevant Data
Revenues from Russia's oil and gas industry account for between 30 to 50 per cent of total federal budget revenues over the past decade.
Follow the Money: Understanding Russia's oil and gas revenues — Oxford Energy Institute
Russia's shadow fleet consists of approximately 600–1,400 vessels, many with falsified identities, minimal inspections and rapid 'flag-hopping'.
Europe's security begins at sea: It's time to counter Russia's shadow fleet — European Policy Centre
Russia's shadow fleet comprises over 1,000 ships, enabling the evasion of sanctions on oil exports.
Countering Russia's 'Shadow Fleet' — RAND Corporation
Russia earned $235 billion from exports of oil and gas in 2024, indicating that sanctions have not fully curtailed energy revenues.
What effects have energy sanctions had on Russia's ability to wage war? — Economics Observatory
For the first eleven months of 2025, Russia's cumulative oil and gas revenues are estimated at $102 billion, down from previous periods due to sanctions and falling prices.
Russia's Oil Revenues Are Falling Fast As Fiscal Pressure Mounts — Forbes