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Ukrainian Naval Drones Strike 2 Russia-Linked Tankers in Black Sea

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Ukrainian naval drones have struck two oil tankers, Louise 1 and Banda, linked to Russian crude oil exports in the Black Sea, escalating the campaign against Moscow's shadow fleet, the Security Service of Ukraine said on Telegram Thursday.

According to the SBU, the tankers have been active in transporting Russian Urals crude from major terminals, including Novorossiysk and Ust-Luga, to international markets.

The move intensifies pressure on Russia's energy export infrastructure, as Kyiv aims to cripple the logistics of vessels used to bypass international oil sanctions.

The Black Sea remains a critical chokepoint, accounting for more than 20% of Russia's total seaborne crude exports.

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