President Zelensky confirmed today that Ukrainian forces successfully hit two vessels belonging to the Russian “shadow fleet” in the waters near the port of Novorossiysk.
He also published a video showing a naval drone approaching a Russian tanker and confirmed that these vessels, used to transport oil, are now out of service.
Zelensky thanked Chief of Staff Anatoly Khnatov, counterintelligence officers of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian Navy for this operation. “We will comprehensively develop Ukraine’s long-range capabilities – at sea, in the air and on land,” the president said.
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. These tankers had been actively used to transport oil – not anymore. I am grateful to the Chief of the General Staff… pic.twitter.com/8aCse8h95j
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Ð—ÐµÐ»ÐµÐ½Ñ ÑŒÐºÐ¸Ð¹ (@ZelenskyyUa) May 3, 2026
This operation represents a significant escalation in Ukraine’s campaign against the Russian energy sector. In the past months, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly targeted key export centers, including the oil terminal in Novorossiysk and ports on the Baltic Sea.
The purpose of these attacks is to disrupt Russian revenues from oil exports, which are the main source of funding for war operations. Earlier attacks in April had already forced large facilities, such as refineries in Tuapse and Novokuybyshevsk, to shut down due to damage to port infrastructure and warehouses.
Despite international concerns about global energy prices, Ukrainian officials point out that attacks on these terminals strengthen Kiev’s strategic position.
(Vijesti.ba)
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