Ukraine attacked two oil tankers hours before drones targeted Russia’s major Novorossiysk terminal.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium halted operations after sea drones hit around 4AM, local reports say.
Officials report the strikes follow Ukraine’s claims of naval drone attacks in the Black Sea.
Rapid Response Saves Tanker Crews
Rescue teams acted immediately after the explosions, saving all crew members from both vessels.
The Gambia-flagged Kairos erupted in flames 28 nautical miles off Kocaeli while traveling empty to Novorossiysk.
Minutes later, the tanker Virat sustained drone damage 35 nautical miles from the Turkish coast.
Authorities identify both ships as part of Russia’s old fleet used to avoid international sanctions.
Sanctions and Military Tactics Target Russian Oil
OpenSanctions shows the US sanctioned Virat in January, followed by the EU, Switzerland, UK, and Canada.
The EU sanctioned Kairos in July, later joined by the UK and Switzerland.
A Ukrainian security official says Kyiv deployed domestically made Sea Baby drones carrying oil worth €60 million.
The official adds that Ukrainian intelligence continues actively reducing Russia’s ability to fund its war.
