Ukraine hits Avero tanker and three Russian oil depots in Stavropol region
Photo: The SBU's Mamai naval drone (facebook.com/SecurSerUkraine)
Ukrainian drones struck the Russian shadow fleet tanker Avero in the Black Sea and three oil depots deep inside Russia. Large fires broke out at all of the targeted sites, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).
"These special operations are being carried out in line with the tasks set by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reduce the military and economic potential of the aggressor state," the SBU said.
According to the agency, the Avero tanker was used to transport Russian crude oil despite the embargo imposed by the G7 and the European Union. The vessel, which is under Ukrainian sanctions, shipped Russian oil to destinations including China and India.
The strike on the tanker was carried out using the SBU's Mamai naval drone.
"These shadow fleet vessels help the Kremlin circumvent international restrictions, sustain oil exports, and generate revenue to finance the war," the SBU said.
The agency added that Avero is the fourth Suezmax-class shadow fleet tanker struck by the SBU in the past 10 days.
In addition, Ukrainian drones attacked three oil depots in Russia's Stavropol region, about 600 kilometers (373 miles) from Ukraine's border.
The strikes triggered large fires at all three facilities. According to the SBU, explosions were reported before fuel storage tanks caught fire.
The SBU said such operations disrupt Russia's oil exports, reduce the Kremlin's oil revenues, and limit its ability to supply fuel to Russian forces.
As previously reported, Ukraine's Defense Forces also struck several other key Russian military targets overnight on July 19.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the operation hit two Russian tankers in the Black Sea, a floating crane in the Sea of Azov, a Buk surface-to-air missile system near Zelenopillia in the Zaporizhzhia region, and a road bridge near Novoekonomichne in the Donetsk region that Russian forces had been using for military logistics.
