Ukrainian maritime drones have struck two Russian-linked vessels in the Black Sea, sinking the container ship Yanina and damaging the oil tanker Bourda, according to Ukrainian and Russian sources.
The attack on the Yanina took place overnight on 1 August, around 130 nautical miles from Novorossiysk. Ukrainian USVs reportedly targeted the vessel with two maritime drones, while Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom confirmed that the FESCO-operated container ship had sunk.
In a separate strike, Ukrainian drones hit the Liberian-flagged tanker Bourda as it was heading for the Russian port of Taman. Ukrainian authorities identify the vessel as part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to transport crude oil and petroleum products despite international sanctions.
According to Ukraine’s War & Sanctions database, the tanker has carried Russian oil and refined products from Baltic and Black Sea ports to destinations including India, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and other countries on behalf of Rosneft and Surgutneftegas.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later released video footage showing the strike on the tanker. Ukraine has not disclosed further operational details of the attacks.
