Ukrainian naval drones hit tankers of the “shadow fleet” off the coast of Turkey

In the Black Sea off the coast Turkey naval drones attacked three tankers associated with the Russian “shadow fleet”. The crews of the ships, according to preliminary data, were not injured.

Three tankersrelated to the transportation of Russian oil and the so-called “shadow fleet”were attacked by sea drones in Black Sea off the coast Turkey. We’re talking about the courts. James II, Altura And Velora. The crews, according to preliminary data, are safe.

The incident occurred off the northern coast Turkeyin an area important for shipping in the Black Sea and close to shipping routes leading to Bosphorus and the European part Istanbul. According to international agencies, Turkish coast guard vessels and shipping security services were sent to the scene.

According to first reports, the tanker James IIflying the flag Palauwas attacked in the Black Sea while unloaded. Two other ships – Altura And Veloraflying the flag Sierra Leonealso became the target of an attack in a neighboring area. It is reported that they were involved in a ship-to-ship transfer operation and were also without cargo.

Ukrainian sea drones struck 3 Russia-linked #ShadowFleet tankers near Kilyos, just 2-3 km off Türkiye’s coast last night. Two hit Velora (no detonation), one struck James II; Altura (hit in March) also damaged. Crews safe, blasts felt in Istanbul. These aging tankers often carry… pic.twitter.com/Ie3d3iMzs9

— Kyrylo Shevchenko (@KShevchenkoReal) May 28, 2026

The video shows a Magura maritime drone

Formally Responsibility for the attack was not claimed at the time of the first reports. However, in such cases, the lack of an official statement reflects wartime caution rather than real uncertainty. Targets, area, type of attack and context of strikes against Russian “shadow fleet” point to a Ukrainian trace much more convincingly than any alternative version.

Impact near the Turkish coast

According to Greek and international publications, the attack caused alarm in Turkey due to the area’s proximity to the coast and risks to shipping. In the event of damage to a tanker carrying oil, such an incident could lead not only to a fire or explosion, but also to serious environmental consequences in the Black Sea.

The ship attracted particular attention Altura. This tanker has already been involved in a similar incident in March when it was attacked by a naval drone off the Turkish coast. Then the Turkish authorities announced threats to shipping safety and the environment. Now the title Altura reappeared in reports of attacks on ships associated with Russian oil shipments.

In Greek sources attack is associated with Ukrainian naval drones. However, at the time of the first messages, neither Ukrainenor Russia did not officially take responsibility for this episode. Therefore, it is premature to talk about the Ukrainian operation as an established fact. However, the very nature of the target fits well with the logic of attacks on Russian oil exports and infrastructure “shadow fleet”.

Why is this important for Turkey?

For Turkey such attacks are becoming an increasingly sensitive issue. Ankara is trying to maintain a balance between Russia, Ukraine and Western allies, but strikes near its coast directly affect the safety of navigation, environmental risks and control of routes in the area Bosphorus.

If maritime drones increasingly appear near Turkish waters and oil shipping routes, this could present Ankara with an unpleasant choice: react more harshly to Ukrainian actions, tighten control over ships associated with Russian oil, or try to limit itself to diplomatic statements. The latter, as usual, is convenient before the first serious oil spill or hit the port infrastructure.

“Shadow Fleet” under attack

The so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport Russian oil bypassing Western sanctions and restrictions. Such vessels are often flagged in third countries, change ownership, use complex insurance and transhipment schemes, and operate through chains of companies that make it difficult to trace the ultimate beneficiary.

This is why tankers associated with this sector are becoming an increasingly visible target. For Ukraine attacks on oil transportation are a way to put pressure on revenues Russia. For Turkey This is a potential risk on our own shores. And for international shipping, this is another signal that the Black Sea has finally ceased to be an ordinary trade route and has turned into a military risk zone.

Source link