Ukraine struck two Russian-linked oil tankers hours before drones hit Novorossiysk terminal.
Sea drones attacked the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s terminal around 4AM, local media reported.
Russia halted operations at one of its largest oil terminals after the overnight assault.
Rapid Rescue Efforts Save Tanker Crews
Coast guard and rescue units pulled crews from the damaged ships after immediate intervention.
The Gambia-flagged Kairos exploded and ignited 28 nautical miles off Kocaeli while sailing empty to Novorossiysk.
The second tanker, Virat, suffered a strike about 35 nautical miles off the Turkish coast.
Authorities classify both ships as sanctioned vessels from Moscow’s older fleet used to bypass restrictions.
Sanctions and Drone Operations Target Russian Oil Revenue
OpenSanctions shows the US sanctioned Virat in January, followed by the EU, Switzerland, the UK, and Canada.
The EU sanctioned Kairos in July, followed by the UK and Switzerland.
A Ukrainian security official said Kyiv deployed Sea Baby drones capable of carrying over €60 million in oil.
The official added that intelligence services continue active measures to limit Russia’s war-financing ability.
