The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has successfully struck the Russian oil tanker Avero, utilizing a marine drone known as “Mamai.” According to the SBU, Avero, which is under Ukrainian sanctions, had been involved in transporting crude oil to China and India, circumventing the oil embargo imposed by the G7 countries and the European Union.
This incident marks the fourth attack on Russian vessels from the so-called “shadow fleet” by the SBU in the past ten days.
In addition to the tanker strike, the SBU confirmed drone attacks on three oil storage facilities located in the Stavropol region, approximately 600 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. These attacks resulted in significant fires and explosions at all three sites, with reports of tanks containing fuel and lubricants catching fire.
According to the SBU, such operations hinder the export of Russian oil, depriving the Kremlin of oil revenues that finance its war effort against Ukraine, while also reducing the enemy’s capacity to supply fuel to its forces.
Context
- On June 25, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a 40-day SBU operation aimed at impacting Russia to help bring the war to a close.
