Ukraine's Underwater Drones Take Aim at Russian Oil Ships

In a bold move, Ukraine has reportedly targeted two Russian oil tankers using underwater drones. These tankers are part of Russia's "shadow fleet, " a group of ships that help Russia bypass international sanctions. The attacks happened on Friday and Saturday, causing serious damage to both vessels. This is a big deal because it disrupts Russia's ability to transport oil, which is a major source of income. The two tankers involved are the Virat and the Kairos, both flying the Gambian flag. The Virat was hit twice, first on Friday and again on Saturday. It was about 30 miles off the Turkish coast when the attacks happened. The Kairos, a massive ship weighing nearly 80, 000 tons, was also hit on Friday. All 25 crew members had to evacuate after an explosion. Neither ship was in Turkish waters when they were attacked. Turkish authorities reported that the Virat had minor damage above the waterline and no fire. A fire-fighting tugboat was sent to assist. The Kairos, on the other hand, had a significant fire on its open deck, which was later extinguished. Both ships had been sanctioned by various countries for carrying Russian oil. These attacks are part of a larger pattern. Earlier this year, there were several unexplained explosions on ships carrying oil from the Black Sea. The Virat and the Kairos had both passed through the Bosphorus Strait into the Black Sea, a common route for sanctioned ships. In addition to the tanker attacks, there was also a strike on a mooring point at the Russian port of Novorossiysk. This port is a key hub for oil exports, including oil from Kazakhstan. The attack has forced Kazakhstan to redirect its oil exports to alternative routes. Novorossiysk has been a frequent target for Ukrainian drones. The recent attacks highlight the ongoing tensions in the region and the strategic importance of controlling oil transportation routes.