DST News: Ukrainian naval drones have struck two tankers linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Black Sea, in what appears to be a significant escalation aimed at disrupting Moscow’s wartime oil revenues. Verified footage shows high-speed drones slamming into the vessels and erupting into flames. Turkish authorities identified the tankers as the Kairos and the Virat, both sailing under the flag of Gambia. They were hit off the Turkish coast on Friday, and the Virat was reportedly struck again a day later. No casualties have been reported.

The two ships are believed to be part of a fleet of ageing, lightly regulated tankers that Russia uses to evade Western sanctions imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Both vessels appear on sanctions lists, and Ukrainian sources say the attack was carried out using Sea Baby drones developed by the country’s security services. Turkey released footage of its rescue crews trying to extinguish the fire aboard the Kairos.

Ukraine’s strike signals a clear warning that ships carrying Russian oil in the Black Sea may now face direct attack, not just economic penalties. The incident coincided with another disruption when the Caspian Pipeline Consortium suspended loading at Russia’s Novorossiysk port after unmanned boats damaged a mooring point.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky said a Ukrainian delegation led by security chief Rustem Umerov is heading to the United States for talks on a potential agreement to end the war, following the resignation of previous negotiator Andriy Yermak after an anti-corruption raid at his home. American officials are expected to meet the delegation in Florida, while US envoy Steve Witkoff is due in Moscow next week for separate discussions.

Source: BBC