{
  "id": 762489,
  "title": "Russia covers oil tankers with anti-drone nets — FT",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/russia-covers-oil-tankers-with-anti-drone-nets-ft",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-13T11:41:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Voice of Ukraine",
    "slug": "new-voice-of-ukraine",
    "url": "https://english.nv.ua/business/russia-equips-shadow-fleet-tankers-with-anti-drone-nets-amid-ukrainian-attacks-ft-50632300.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Russia is outfitting its shadow fleet ships with anti-drone nets to safeguard oil tankers despite Western sanctions, according to the Financial Times. A shipping analyst noted that the Caruzo tanker, carrying 1 million barrels of Russian oil, had protective netting covering its superstructure and locked crew members inside due to fears of Ukrainian drone attacks. Another sanctioned tanker, Rizvel, was also found with similar protective measures while navigating the Sea of Marmara near Istanbul. Turkish captain Murat Fırtına highlighted a cargo ship, MECHTA S, adorned with colorful geometric camouflage patterns. This non-standard outfitting suggests it may be part of Russia's shadow fleet, though it is not on current sanctions lists. The camouflage aims to obscure the ship's profile, making it harder to target during attacks. The protective measures come amid ongoing Ukrainian military operations against Russia's shadow fleet, which began in July 2026. The operation, known as MoLoChKa, seeks to weaken Russia's naval capabilities, disrupt logistics to Crimea, and deter the elite Rubikon drone unit from engaging in ground combat.",
  "summary": "Russia is equipping vessels in its shadow fleet with anti-drone nets as it seeks to protect ships used to transport oil in defiance of Western sanctions, the Financial Times reported on Aug. 13.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}