Virat’s Call for Help Amid Chaos: Russian Shadow Fleet Under Siege | PRIMENEWSNOW

Ukrainian Drones Target Russian Oil Tankers in Strategic Strike

In a bold move to disrupt Russian oil logistics, Ukrainian naval drones attacked two tankers, Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea. This operation is part of Ukraine’s strategy to hinder Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” which is used to bypass Western oil sanctions.

Urgent Calls for Help as Tankers Hit

The tanker Virat, linked to Russian interests, sent out a desperate “mayday” after being hit twice by Ukrainian drones. The incident, confirmed by Turkish authorities, occurred approximately 35 nautical miles from Türkiye’s Black Sea coast. The crew’s distress call was captured over open radio, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

“This is VIRAT. Help needed! Drone attack! Mayday!” a crew member was heard saying during the attack.

Ukraine Takes Responsibility for the Assault

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) announced that their Sea Baby drones successfully disabled the tankers Kairos and Virat. Both vessels, flagged under Gambia, are known for transporting Russian crude oil in defiance of international sanctions. The SBU emphasized that this operation aims to cripple Russia’s war funding capabilities.

According to Ukrainian sources, the tankers could have been carrying oil valued at nearly $70 million.

Turkey’s Response to the Incident

While the Kairos caught fire, necessitating the evacuation of its 25-member crew, the Virat sustained minor damage above the waterline. Turkish officials confirmed the vessel’s stability and the safety of its crew. The strikes occurred within Turkey’s Exclusive Economic Zone, prompting Ankara to issue warnings about navigational risks and engage in diplomatic communications to prevent further escalation.

The Role of Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’

The tankers Kairos and Virat are part of a fleet used to transport Russian oil despite sanctions. These vessels often operate under obscure ownership and frequently change their flags. Western nations, including the US, UK, EU, and Canada, have sanctioned these ships, and Ukraine continues to push for stricter measures against this fleet.

Escalating Tensions at Sea

This attack is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to target Russian refineries, ports, and export infrastructure. Shortly after the tanker incidents, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, responsible for over 1% of global oil, halted operations due to a Ukrainian drone strike at Russia’s Novorossiysk terminal.

Meanwhile, Russian drone and missile attacks around Kyiv resulted in at least three fatalities, amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Ukraine, the US, and European allies to explore potential peace negotiations.

Following the explosions, tracking data indicated that the Virat altered its course towards the Turkish coast.