Ukrainian drones target Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea

In a significant development marking a turning point in the military operations between Moscow and Kyiv, a senior source in the Ukrainian Security Service reported on Friday that Ukrainian forces successfully carried out a precision drone strike targeting a Russian oil tanker in the neutral waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This operation is the first of its kind in terms of both geographical scope and the nature of the target outside the Black Sea.

Details of the operation and targeting of the "ghost fleet"

The security source explained that the operation targeted the tanker known as "Qandil," one of the vessels belonging to what is internationally known as the "Russian Ghost Fleet." The source confirmed that the strike was carried out using advanced drones that traveled approximately 2,000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border to reach their target, causing significant damage to the tanker and preventing it from continuing its operations. The source also noted that the ship was empty at the time of the attack, thus averting a potential environmental disaster in the region.

What is the Russian Ghost Fleet?

This strike comes amid efforts by Ukraine and the West to tighten the noose on Russian energy exports. The "ghost fleet" refers to a large group of aging and dilapidated oil tankers that Russia uses to circumvent Western sanctions and the price cap imposed on Russian oil by the G7 and the European Union. These vessels often operate without valid Western insurance and disable their tracking devices to conceal their routes, allowing Moscow to continue exporting oil and funding its ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

Implications of expanding the conflict to the Mediterranean

This attack carries significant strategic and military implications, demonstrating Kyiv's growing capacity to launch long-range attacks beyond the traditional theaters of operations in the Black Sea and Crimea. The Ukrainian drones' reach into the depths of the Mediterranean sends a clear message that Russian assets are no longer safe even in distant international waters, potentially forcing Russia to reassess its maritime supply lines.

Expected impacts on energy security and navigation

This incident is expected to cast a shadow over commercial shipping and energy markets, as targeting tankers in vital waterways like the Mediterranean could lead to higher insurance and shipping costs for Russian vessels and those dealing with them. The Ukrainian source concluded his remarks with a stark warning: "The enemy should understand that Ukraine will not stop and will strike wherever it is in the world," signaling a new phase of escalation that could include maritime targets in a wider geographical area.