Ukrainian naval drones strike two Russian oil tankers in Black Sea

Ukrainian naval drones struck two Russian oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea on Friday. The tankers were empty and headed to Novorossiysk, a major Russian port, when they were targeted by the drones. Video footage showed powerful explosions causing fires on both vessels, which sustained critical damage and were effectively taken out of service. Ukraine has been attacking Russian oil refineries using long-range aerial drones, but this attack represents a different kind of assault. The strikes are part of Kyiv's efforts to pressure Russia's vast oil industry, particularly its "shadow fleet" that helps Moscow export oil despite western sanctions. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium halted operations after a mooring was damaged by the drone attack, with Kazakhstan calling it unacceptable.

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