Ukraine: Attack on Russian “shadow tanker”

The tanker has suffered “critical damage” according to Ukrainian sources. Unconfirmed video footage shows explosions at the stern of the ship.

It is said to be the ship "Dashan", flagged in the East African country of Comoros, which was en route to Novorossiysk in southern Russia with its transponder turned off when it was hit by Ukrainian naval drones, reports Ukrainian public service company Suspilne.

In late November, two empty tankers were attacked off the coast of Turkey in the Black Sea. According to Ukrainian sources, the ships belonged to the Russian shadow fleet, whose aging ships are used to circumvent Western sanctions.