Ukraine Strikes Russian 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker in Mediterranean with Drones

• Ukraine used aerial drones to strike the Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker Qendil in international waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
• This marks Ukraine's first such attack in the Mediterranean, expanding its maritime drone campaign against Russian oil infrastructure.
• The "shadow fleet" comprises unregulated ships like Qendil, which help Russia export oil and fund its war despite international sanctions.
• The Oman-flagged Qendil was en route to Russia's Ust Luga port from India's Sikka when struck; the SBU security agency was involved.
• The attack reflects a significant escalation in Ukraine's use of uncrewed aerial systems against Russia's oil export network.

Why It Matters: Ukraine escalates maritime war, striking Russian 'shadow fleet' oil tanker in Mediterranean.