Ukraine Strikes Russian Tankers in Black Sea, Sparks Global Tension

Ukraine hit two Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea with naval drones as they traveled off the Turkish coast, widening Kyiv’s effort to degrade Moscow’s oil revenues. The Kairos and Virat, Gambian-flagged ships linked to Russia’s so‑called shadow fleet, were attacked on Friday; Virat was reportedly struck again on Saturday. BBC-verified footage shows waterborne drones closing in and detonating into flames, with thick black smoke rising. Turkish authorities assisted in trying to extinguish a fire on Kairos. No casualties were reported. The strikes underscore Kyiv’s aim to target revenue streams funding Moscow’s war and demonstrate that sanctioned vessels face risk in the Black Sea.