Drones Hit Russia’s Shadow Fleet Tankers Off Turkey’s Black Sea Coast

Three oil tankers—James II, Altura, and Velora—belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet were attacked by drones about 50 miles (80 kilometers) off northern Turkey’s Black Sea coast, with no crew injuries reported. These aging vessels are used to bypass international sanctions on Russia’s oil trade, a network that Western officials say extends to espionage and other hybrid activities. France, Belgium, and the UK have taken actions targeting the shadow fleet in recent months, while Ukraine has previously targeted these vessels in the region. Ukraine has urged partners to strengthen laws to seize such ships and redirect their oil to support European security.