Not Anymore: Ukraine Hits Two Shadow Fleet Tankers Near Russia, Launches 300+ Drones

Ukraine has launched one of its largest coordinated drone offensives in recent months, striking two “shadow fleet” oil tankers near the entrance to Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and deploying more than 300 drones in a wide-ranging assault on Russian-linked infrastructure, officials said.

The targeted vessels were part of Russia’s covert “shadow fleet” system used to transport oil and bypass Western sanctions , a key mechanism sustaining Moscow’s export revenues. Ukrainian forces reportedly disabled both tankers in maritime strikes aimed at disrupting energy supply chains.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the operation, stating: “Our warriors continue to apply sanctions against Russia’s shadow oil fleet - two such vessels were struck in the waters at the entrance to the port of Novorossiysk… not anymore.” He said Ukraine’s long-range capabilities will continue expanding across sea, air, and land domains.

Alongside the maritime attack, Ukraine launched over 300 drones in a coordinated wave , targeting energy facilities, logistics hubs, and infrastructure across multiple Russian regions. Officials described it as part of a sustained campaign to weaken Russia’s wartime economy.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly targeted key Russian oil infrastructure , including refineries, pipelines, and Black Sea export terminals, causing fires, shutdowns, and disruptions to oil flows. Analysts say these strikes increasingly focus on Russia’s energy revenue network rather than only battlefield positions.

The escalation comes as Russia continues drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kherson, where civilian transport vehicles have been repeatedly struck , killing and injuring civilians.

Ukraine has also reported damage to Odesa port infrastructure , while Russia claims limited territorial gains in northeastern Ukraine, claims not independently verified.

The conflict is increasingly defined by deep-strike drone warfare and economic targeting , with both sides intensifying attacks on energy and maritime assets far beyond the frontline.