Ukrainian drones break through heavy bombing and strike Russian tankers
Photo: The SBU and the Navy carried out another successful operation (ssu.gov.ua)
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian Navy have successfully struck the Russian tankers Louise 1 and Banda, which are part of Russia’s shadow fleet.
A new joint operation by the SBU and the Navy took place in the Black Sea. This time, the targets were vessels subject to so-called Ukrainian sanctions.
Mamai maritime drones were used to strike the Russian tankers.
The SBU explains that the Louise 1 was involved in transporting Russian crude oil during the period when the G7 and EU oil embargoes were in effect.
"The vessel was transporting cargo from Russian ports on the Baltic and Black Seas while turning off its automatic identification system. In 2026 alone, it transported nearly 3 million metric tons of Russian Urals crude oil," SBU says.
As for the tanker Banda, it also transported Russian crude oil from the ports of Ust-Luga, Kerch, Novorossiysk, and Nakhodka.
Incidentally, Russian aircraft attempted to disrupt the joint operation by the SBU and the Navy. They not only opened machine-gun fire but also dropped bombs. However, all these efforts proved futile.
"Every strike against the shadow fleet is a direct blow to Russia’s ability to continue its aggression. And every such vessel, as part of Russia’s war machine, is a legitimate target," the SBU emphasizes.
Ukrainian drones break through heavy bombing and strike Russian tankers pic.twitter.com/PrY92QmJUy
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) July 16, 2026
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported on the latest results of the SBU’s 40-day operation.
We also reported on how 14 vessels of the Russian shadow fleet were struck in a single night.
Furthermore, Russia is massively redeploying air defense systems from the Arctic due to attacks by Ukrainian drones.
