The Security Service of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Navy conducted an operation against Russian tankers in the Black Sea
The Security Service of Ukraine, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Navy, carried out an operation targeting two Russian “shadow fleet” tankers. The vessels Kairos and Virat were incapacitated following an attack by upgraded Sea Baby maritime drones.
According to information provided to LIGA.net sources within the Security Service, the attack was executed using maritime drones, which targeted the sanctioned tankers Kairos and Virat in the Black Sea. This operation was conducted by the 13th main department of the military counterintelligence of the Security Service in conjunction with the Ukrainian Navy. The Sea Baby drones, equipped with enhanced combat payloads, successfully completed the mission, inflicting critical damage on the tankers. Both vessels are now effectively rendered non-operational.
It is reported that the tankers were heading to the port of Novorossiysk for loading, with their voyage considered an attempt to circumvent international sanctions on the transport of Russian oil. As a result of the attack, according to the source, an oil shipment valued at approximately 70 million dollars was thwarted.
The operation took place in the context of escalating tensions amid international sanctions against Russia and its energy sector. It is known that the use of maritime drones is becoming a new effective means of combating illegal maritime activities.
| Tanker | Area of Impact | Outcome |
| Kairos | Black Sea | Rendered non-operational |
| Virat | Black Sea | Rendered non-operational |
