Ukraine claims responsibility for targeting two Russian oil tankers off the coast of Türkiye
In a significant development in the course of military operations in the Black Sea region, Ukraine officially announced on Saturday its full responsibility for the attack that targeted two oil tankers believed to be transporting Russian oil subject to international sanctions, off the Turkish coast.
Details of the qualitative operation
A senior source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed that the attack was carried out with high precision using advanced Sea Baby-type maritime drones. According to the source, the two targeted tankers were the Firat and the Kairos, which sustained direct hits that resulted in explosions and fires on board.
For its part, the Turkish Ministry of Transport confirmed the incident, noting that two explosions rocked the two tankers off the Turkish coast on Friday evening, followed by another attack on Saturday morning, prompting a mobilization in the region to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the vital waterways.
The Ukrainian Security Service has released videos documenting the moment when the floating drones approached the ship's hull at high speed, moments before colliding and causing explosions, highlighting Kyiv's growing capabilities in asymmetric naval warfare.
Strategic shift in the Black Sea
This attack comes in the context of a wider escalation in the Black Sea region, which has become a major theater of operations since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These operations are part of Kyiv's strategy to move the battle to waters controlled by Russia or used by it to export its resources, especially after Moscow withdrew from the grain agreement and threatened ships heading to Ukrainian ports.
Military experts point out that Ukraine’s use of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) represents a significant tactical shift, as these low-cost unmanned boats have been able to threaten the powerful Russian fleet, restrict its movement, and even target vital infrastructure such as the Crimean Bridge on previous occasions.
Economic and geopolitical dimensions
Targeting oil tankers carries profound economic implications that extend far beyond the immediate military aspect. By striking ships believed to be carrying Russian oil, Ukraine seeks to restrict Moscow's revenue streams, which are used to fund its war effort. This attack also highlights Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," which it uses to circumvent Western sanctions on its oil exports.
Regionally, this incident places Turkey in a delicate position. Ankara controls the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits under the Montreux Convention and is striving to maintain a fine balance in its relations with both sides of the conflict. Attacks occurring near Turkish territorial waters raise concerns about the security of commercial shipping in one of the world's busiest waterways, potentially prompting diplomatic intervention to ensure the conflict does not escalate and threaten international trade.
