Philenews

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker off Turkey

Published January 8, 2026, 15:16
Ukrainian Drone Strikes Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker off Turkey

A Russian tanker, the ELBUS, flying the flag of Palau and linked to Russia's 'shadow' fleet, was attacked by a drone in the Black Sea, approximately 30 miles off the coast of Turkey. The vessel, destined for the Russian port of Novorossiysk to load oil, sustained significant damage to its upper side and is being towed to the port of Inebolu for repairs. The 'shadow' fleet is used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions and continue oil exports. Despite the severity of the attack, there were no reports of casualties or missing persons, and the ship's condition remains under control.