Ukraine continues to target Moscow's oil revenues with new attacks on a tanker in the Black Sea and energy infrastructure deep within Russia. The strikes overnight came after Ukraine announced that it had increased the scope of its operations against Russia by 170% since the beginning of the war.

Attack on tanker off Tuapse

The Ukrainian General Staff reported that the product tanker named Marquise, which is linked to Russian energy exports and is on the sanctions list, was targeted while waiting near Tuapse.

It was noted that the 37,662 dwt tanker was empty and was likely waiting in the area for a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer. AIS data indicated that the vessel was awaiting orders, while it was reported that the signal was turned off during the attack.

Ukraine stated that the vessel was struck by two MBEC kamikaze drones while it was located approximately 210 kilometers off Tuapse. The attack reportedly targeted the aft section, covering the engine room, propeller, and rudder area. Assessments of the extent of the damage are ongoing.

“Shadow fleet” connection and sanctions

The tanker, built in 2006, has been on sanctions lists since 2023. Owned and operated by companies based in the United Arab Emirates, the vessel has operated under the flags of Gabon, Barbados, Vanuatu, and Cameroon in recent years.

Initially sanctioned by the UK and EU in October 2025, the tanker was also included in lists from other countries, including Ukraine, in early 2026. Reports reveal that the vessel has been transporting oil from Tuapse to Turkey by disabling its AIS system.

Energy infrastructure within Russia is also targeted

Ukraine also reported that it struck a pumping station located more than 1,500 kilometers from the Russian border. The facility, operated by Transneft PJSC, is connected to the West Siberian pipelines and supplies crude oil to Lukoil's Perm refinery.

It was noted that a fire broke out in the storage facilities as a result of the attack.

Zelenskyy: “We will reduce oil revenues”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that they will continue to target Russia's energy revenues, indicating that the attacks have led to a significant decrease in export capacity.

According to data shared by Zelenskyy:

Capacity in Primorsk decreased by 13%

In Novorossiysk, it decreased by 38%

In Ust-Luga, it decreased by 43%

The Ukrainian leader also emphasized that the actual decrease could be greater than the reported figures.

Attacks on the Tuapse region continue

Throughout April, Ukraine's focus has been on energy facilities in Tuapse. It was reported that at least three attacks were carried out in the region, with the last attack occurring on April 28.

Images shared on social media highlighted large fires at various points in the facility.

Zelenskyy also announced that Ukraine is continuing its efforts to extend its long-range strike capability beyond 1,500 kilometers.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye