The Ukrainian drone attack is said to have been carried out in neutral waters around 2000 kilometers from Ukraine's border, and is the country's first in the Mediterranean.
The Russian shadow fleet's ships are often older, have unclear ownership structures, and lack insurance. They are used by Russia to circumvent Western sanctions.
The tanker Qendil is said to have been empty of oil at the time of the drone attack and therefore does not pose an environmental threat. According to the information, the attack caused "critical damage" to the tanker, and it can no longer be used for its intended purpose.
According to the source, it is a "new, unprecedented special operation" against "an absolutely legitimate target."
The enemy must understand that Ukraine will not stop and will attack them anywhere in the world, wherever they are, the source said.
Ukraine has previously claimed responsibility for similar attacks on Russian-linked tankers off Turkey's Black Sea coast.
