Ukraine Hits Russian Oil Tanker in Major Mediterranean Strike

Ukrainian aerial drones have attacked a Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker, marking the first such strike in the Mediterranean Sea.

The vessel, identified as the Qendil, was hit over 2,000 km from Ukraine and suffered critical damage. The tanker was empty at the time of the attack, The Caspian Post reports, citing Ukrainian media.

💥 Ukraine hits #Russian shadow tanker in #Mediterranean

Ukrainian aerial drones have struck a Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time, a source from Ukraine’s SBU security service told. pic.twitter.com/YZwj6Uplxu

— News.Az (@news_az) December 19, 2025

The strike represents a significant expansion of Ukraine’s operational reach, increasing pressure on Russia’s shadow shipping network used to transport oil under international sanctions.