The Security Service of Ukraine has carried out successful strikes on the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ tanker Avero in the Black Sea, as well as on three oil depots in Stavropol Krai, the SBU press center reported.
“These special operations are being conducted in line with tasks set by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reduce the military and economic potential of the aggressor state,” the statement said.
The tanker Avero was involved in transporting Russian crude oil during the period of the oil embargo imposed by the G7 and the EU. The vessel shipped oil, including to China and India.
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The tanker, which is under Ukrainian sanctions, was targeted by the SBU’s Mamai sea drone. It is precisely such ‘shadow fleet’ vessels that help the Kremlin circumvent international restrictions, keep oil exports flowing, and obtain funds to finance the war.
This is the fourth Russian ‘shadow’ tanker hit by the SBU in the past ten days. All of these vessels belong to the Suezmax class—large seagoing tankers used to transport significant volumes of oil and petroleum products.
In addition, SBU drones struck three oil depots in Stavropol Krai. The distance to the targets from Ukraine’s state border was about 600 km.
As a result of the attack, large-scale fires broke out at all three sites. Explosions and the ignition of tanks containing fuels and lubricants were recorded.
Such special operations complicate exports of Russian oil, deprive the Kremlin of petrodollar revenues that are used for the war against Ukraine, and also reduce the enemy’s ability to supply its troops with fuel.