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Multiple Russian Oil, Gas Tankers Hit by Ukrainian Strikes in Black Sea, Drone Unit Commander Says

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Ukrainian forces have struck 17 Russian oil tankers, two gas tankers and one tugboat during an overnight strike in the Black Sea, according to drone force commander Robert Brovdi.

He said the strikes were the latest in a run of such hits against Russia's fleet, as Ukraine's improved air attack capabilities enable it to hamper Russian energy exports and deprive it of funds to pay for its war on its neighbor.

"116 ships of the shadow fleet of the Russian Federation in the Sea of Azov - the first round of the naval battle is over," Brovdi said in a statement on Telegram referring to the reported strikes on ships associated with Russia in the Sea of Azov over the past nine days.

"Now the Black Sea, 20:0 for today: 17 oil tankers, 2 gas tankers, 1 tugboat were hit," Brovdi said.

Brovdi indicated that an official report of the strikes will be shared later, along with video evidence.

Meanwhile, operations were halted at the Salavat petrochemical complex in Russia on Tuesday after a Ukrainian drone attack with normalcy in production expected in a a few days, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing two industry sources.

Two primary refining units, along with some secondary units and equipment, were damaged following the attack on the plant, which in 2024 processed 7.2 million tons of oil and was responsible for about 2.7% of the country's total refining throughput, the report said.

has reached out to the Russian Energy Ministry for comments.

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