The SSU struck a tanker belonging to Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ and three oil depots in the Stavropol Krai
The Security Service of Ukraine has reported the successful destruction of the Russian Federation’s ‘shadow fleet’ tanker ‘Avero’ in the Black Sea, as well as three oil depots in Russia’s Stavropol Krai. The SBU noted that these special operations are being carried out in accordance with the tasks set by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to reduce the military and economic potential of the aggressor state.
According to the security service, the tanker ‘Avero’ was used to transport Russian crude oil during the period of the oil embargo imposed by the G7 countries and the European Union. The vessel transported oil to destinations including China and India. It is reported that the strike against the tanker, which is subject to Ukrainian sanctions, was carried out by the SBU’s ‘Mamai’ maritime drone. The agency emphasised that such vessels help Russia circumvent international restrictions, ensure oil exports and raise funds to finance the war.
The SBU also stated that this is already the fourth tanker from Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ to have been struck by the security service in the last ten days. According to the agency, all these vessels belong to the Suezmax class, which is used to transport significant volumes of oil and petroleum products.
In addition, SBU drones struck three oil depots in the Stavropol Krai. The targets were located approximately 600 kilometres from Ukraine’s state border. According to the security service, large-scale fires broke out at all three sites, and explosions and fires in tanks containing fuel and lubricants were also recorded.
The Security Service of Ukraine noted that such special operations hamper the export of Russian oil, deprive the Kremlin of oil-dollar revenues used to wage war against Ukraine, and reduce the ability to supply Russian troops with fuel.
