The Kyiv Independent, citing an anonymous Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) source, reported today that its uncrewed surface vessels "successfully completed their mission" by attacking two oil tankers in the Black Sea a day earlier. The source stated, "At the time of the attack, both vessels were not carrying oil and were en route to Novorossiysk port to load cargo. This operation delivered a strong blow to Russia's oil transportation."

The released video shows uncrewed surface vessels approaching the two oil tankers, causing significant explosions.

Russian officials have not yet commented on the information.

Moment two oil tankers were attacked by uncrewed surface vessels in the Black Sea on 28/11. Video: *Kyiv Independent*.

On 28/11, Turkey's Ministry of Transport reported that the Gambia-flagged vessel Kairos exploded and caught fire approximately 28 nautical miles off the coast of Kocaeli province. The Virat, also flying the Gambia flag, caught fire shortly thereafter in another Black Sea area, about 35 nautical miles off the Turkish coast.

Turkish officials announced that the Virat was attacked again by an uncrewed surface vessel early on 29/11. Turkey's Ministry of Transport stated, "The vessel sustained minor damage on its starboard side, above the waterline. No fire or explosion occurred on board, and the crew remains in good condition."

The Virat, built in 2018, previously flew flags of Barbados, Comoros, Liberia, and Panama. The Kairos, built in 2002, previously flew flags of Panama, Greece, and Liberia. Both vessels are on international sanctions lists, accused of being part of the "dark fleet" Moscow allegedly uses to circumvent crude oil embargoes.

Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations of being behind the "dark fleet."

The Black Sea has remained a flashpoint of tension since February, with Russia and Ukraine continuously attacking each other's naval assets.

Thanh Tam (According to The Kyiv Independent, AFP)