Ukraine struck two sanctioned tankers only hours before drones hit Russia’s Novorossiysk terminal.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s marine terminal suspended all operations after sea drones struck around 4AM, local reports say.
The strike intensifies the ongoing conflict and targets Russia’s critical oil infrastructure.
Tanker Explosions Prompt Rescue Operations
Coast guard and rescue teams saved the crews after the Black Sea attacks.
The Gambia-flagged Kairos exploded and caught fire 28 nautical miles off Kocaeli while sailing empty to Novorossiysk.
Officials reported that the Virat sustained damage 35 nautical miles off the Turkish coast shortly afterward.
Authorities classify both vessels as part of Russia’s old fleet, used to bypass international oil sanctions.
Sanctions and Drone Strategy Impact Russian Operations
OpenSanctions reports the US sanctioned Virat in January, followed by the EU, Switzerland, the UK, and Canada.
The EU sanctioned Kairos in July, later joined by the UK and Switzerland.
A Ukrainian security official said Kyiv used Sea Baby naval drones to target oil worth over €60 million.
The official added that Ukrainian intelligence continues actively limiting Russia’s financial resources to sustain the war.
