Ukraine strikes 12 Russian shadow fleet tankers in overnight attack
Photo: Areas affected in the Black and Azov Seas (collage by RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine's Defense Forces carried out overnight strikes on Russian ships, an oil terminal, and an ammunition depot on the night of July 9. The goal of the attack was to undermine Russia's military and economic potential, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
What was hit in the Sea of Azov
Ukrainian units struck several Russian fleet vessels in the Sea of Azov, including:
- 12 tankers;
- 1 tugboat;
- 1 cargo ship.
These vessels were transporting fuel and lubricants for Russian military groups. They were also used to transport oil and petroleum products to circumvent international sanctions, it's one of the main sources of funding for the war against Ukraine.
The extent of the damage to the vessels is still being clarified.
Strike on the oil terminal in Bataysk
The Yug Rusi oil loading terminal in Bataysk, Rostov region, was also hit. A fire broke out near the facility.
The terminal ships petroleum products for export. It also supplies fuel to Russian forces operating in the southern direction, while foreign currency revenues from oil sales are used to finance the war.
The full extent of the damage is also being assessed.
Another strike targeted a Russian ammunition depot near Sorokyne in the Luhansk region.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about strikes on two oil depots in the Tver and Stavropol regions, as well as an oil pumping station in Ufa.
These facilities are located between 500 and 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Meanwhile, drones attacked two more Russian tankers in the Taganrog Bay, sparking fires aboard both vessels. The crews were evacuated, while one of the tankers continued to burn.
