Russia’s Shadow Fleet Tanker Burns off Sochi After Black Sea Attack

On Tuesday evening, Ukraine launched a drone attack on an oil tanker off the southern coast of Russia, resulting in a massive fire and thick plume of black smoke over the resort city of Sochi. The attack marked a continuation of the ongoing conflict since 2022, where both nations have targeted commercial shipping in the Black Sea.

Russia's transport ministry confirmed that a Liberian-flagged tanker had been hit by naval drones, with crude oil burning openly in the waters of the Black Sea. Despite the intense blaze, firefighters were unable to control the fire, and the crew of 23, all Indian citizens, was safely rescued. Social media was flooded with videos and photos from Sochi, showcasing the intense orange flames and towering column of black smoke.

The city's mayor announced restricted access to the coast and beaches. Ukraine maintains that their attacks on Russia's oil infrastructure are a justified response to Moscow's nightly bombings of their towns and cities. Both countries have vowed to escalate their strikes in recent weeks, with Russia targeting key bridges in Kyiv and hitting the heart of the capital with daytime drone attacks, causing gridlock.

Previous Ukrainian strikes on oil sites in southern Russia have led to oil slicks forming, beaches being closed, and toxic black rain falling.