On Wednesday, Ukrainian forces utilized naval drones to strike the oil tanker Dashan, identified as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Black Sea, causing critical damage and potentially disabling the vessel. This attack, carried out in coordination with the Ukrainian navy, marks the third such strike in two weeks, demonstrating a strategic shift toward targeting ships at sea alongside land-based energy infrastructure. The $30 million tanker, which was sailing with its transponder off, has been sanctioned by several Western countries and the EU for its role in Russian oil exports. This action is part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Russia’s energy revenue, a critical source of funds for its war efforts.
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Russia’s shadow fleet begins to collapse as Ukraine expands maritime campaign beyond the Black Sea, and it’s quite a story unfolding. It seems Ukraine’s naval drone campaign is really starting to bite, specifically targeting the tankers that make up Russia’s shadow fleet. These are the vessels that have been helping Russia skirt international sanctions, allowing them to continue exporting oil and fueling their war machine. Apparently, these drone strikes have become so effective that major Russian ports are now reportedly struggling to find any tankers willing to take on the risk.
This is a significant shift, as the shadow fleet’s ability to operate has been a key factor in Russia’s ability to weather the economic pressure.… Continue reading
Ukraine’s recent strikes against two Russian “shadow fleet” oil tankers using naval drones highlight a calculated approach aimed at maximizing impact while minimizing potential repercussions. It’s a strategic move, a carefully orchestrated dance where the goal is to disrupt Russia’s oil export capacity without triggering an environmental catastrophe or providing Russia with a significant propaganda victory. This isn’t just a military action; it’s a statement, a signal sent across the waters of the Black Sea and beyond.
The choice to target empty tankers is a crucial aspect of this strategy. Imagine the headlines: “Ukraine Causes Massive Oil Spill, Devastating Marine Life.”… Continue reading
Over a 24-hour period, Ukrainian forces using naval drones successfully destroyed two Russian aircraft in Crimea and over the Black Sea. These strikes, utilizing Magura drones equipped with AIM-9 missiles, also targeted and destroyed Russian military depots in occupied Crimea. One strike marked the world’s first destruction of a fighter jet by a naval drone. President Zelensky praised the actions, highlighting the expanding long-range capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces.
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Ukrainian naval drones, under the command of Vice-Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa, successfully targeted and destroyed Russian surveillance systems on gas platforms in occupied Crimea on November 7th. This action follows a series of recent Ukrainian strikes on Crimean targets, including the destruction of radar stations and infrastructure in Sevastopol. These attacks demonstrate continued Ukrainian offensive capabilities in the Black Sea and represent a significant disruption to Russian operations in the region. The successful strikes underscore Ukraine’s commitment to reclaiming occupied territories.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood