Ukraine has just launched a successful aerial drone attack on a Russian tanker the Qendil. This operation occurred roughly 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) beyond the borders of Ukraine. This operation hit Russia’s efforts to circumvent Western sanctions. It sought to undermine the funding of its adversary’s military and occurred well beyond the coast of Libya. As Agence France-Presse reported, the drone attack caused irreversible damage to the ship, ensuring it could not serve its foreseen role.
Timing of the strike is just as important, as it came during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s annual end-of-year press conference. This backstory has intensified the current conflict between Ukraine and Russia. It zooms in specifically on Russia’s maritime operations and its extensive, illicit shadow fleet—reportedly upwards of 1,000 ships strong. These vessels frequently change flags and maintain unclear ownership, complicating efforts to monitor their activities.
Ukrainian officials have confirmed that this was the purpose of the operation. More importantly, as part of a broader strategy, it seeks to undermine vessels linked to Russia’s supply chain. They have covered other such attacks against Russia-linked tankers off the coast of Turkey’s Black Sea. In each of these incidents, two unattended oil tankers were targeted using large airburst explosions. According to the Ukrainian source, the most recent operation included some “multi-stage” measures. This strategy is a focused effort that would severely disrupt Russian maritime logistics.
“The enemy must understand that Ukraine will not stop, and will strike them anywhere in the world, wherever they may be.” – Ukrainian source
The Qendil’s attack forms part with Ukraine’s newly ramped up war of attrition against Russian maritime assets as the Ukrainian-Russian war continues. Western sanctions have crushed Russia’s economy. Now deploying via tankers is the only practical way of getting around these restrictions. Coordinated with their surprise attacking the Crimean bridge, these targeted operations are indicative of Ukraine’s striking resolve to target military assets and the financial lifelines bolstering them.
In retaliation to attack, President Putin said the following during his press conference. He made clear that such moves would not produce the results that are being sought for Ukraine.
“Ultimately, this will not lead to the expected result.” – Vladimir Putin
He went on to claim that the attacks would fail to cut off supplies and instead increase dangers to US forces in the region.
It is important to note that Moscow has already threatened to pursue legal action against any use of frozen Russian central bank assets. Ukraine has a direct interest in bending these funds to its reconstruction after the still-ongoing conflict. Putin unsurprisingly decried this strategy as “robbery,” further illustrating the Kremlin’s position on foreign financial claims resulting from the war.