What's happened
As of December 22, 2025, Ukraine has intensified drone attacks targeting Russian maritime and energy infrastructure, including the Okhotnik patrol ship, offshore drilling platforms in the Caspian Sea, and the Qendil tanker in the Mediterranean. These strikes aim to disrupt Russia's oil exports and military funding amid ongoing conflict and Western sanctions.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Expansion of Ukraine's Campaign
Ukraine's recent drone strikes mark a significant escalation in its efforts to cripple Russia's war economy by targeting maritime energy infrastructure far beyond its borders. The attack on the Qendil tanker in neutral Mediterranean waters, over 2,000 km from Ukraine, signals Kyiv's willingness to project power globally to disrupt Russia's "shadow fleet"—a network of vessels circumventing Western sanctions.
Impact on Russian War Funding
By hitting key oil platforms in the Caspian Sea and vessels like the Okhotnik patrol ship, Ukraine aims to choke off vital revenue streams that finance Moscow's military operations. These strikes complement ongoing efforts to degrade Russia's energy infrastructure on land, intensifying pressure on the Kremlin's economic base.
Geopolitical and Legal Dimensions
Ukraine justifies these attacks as legitimate military actions against assets directly supporting Russia's war effort. However, striking in neutral waters raises complex international legal questions and risks escalating tensions beyond the immediate conflict zone.
Forecast and Consequences
This campaign will likely continue as Ukraine leverages drone technology to extend its reach. Western financial support, including a recent €90bn EU loan, underpins Kyiv's capacity to sustain such operations. Russia may respond with intensified strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, perpetuating the cycle of escalation.
Relevance to Global Energy Markets
Disruptions to Russian oil exports could have ripple effects on global energy prices and supply chains, affecting consumers worldwide. The conflict's energy dimension underscores the interconnectedness of military conflict and economic stability in the 21st century.
What the papers say
Samya Kullab of The Independent highlights Ukraine's multi-pronged strikes on Russian oil terminals, ammunition depots, and drone launch sites, emphasizing the strategic intent to undermine Putin's military strength. The Independent also reports on the killing of a top Russian general in Moscow, suspected to be linked to Ukrainian operations, illustrating Kyiv's reach.
The New York Post and AP News provide detailed accounts of the drone attacks on the Okhotnik patrol ship and offshore drilling platforms operated by Lukoil in the Caspian Sea, underscoring the growing maritime dimension of Ukraine's campaign. Both sources note the ongoing assessment of damage and Russia's official silence or vague responses.
Sky News and Business Insider UK focus on the unprecedented strike on the Qendil tanker in the Mediterranean, part of Russia's "shadow fleet" used to evade sanctions. The SBU describes the operation as a "new, unprecedented special operation," with the tanker critically damaged but empty, minimizing environmental risks. Business Insider UK contextualizes this as part of a broader shift in Kyiv's strategy to target maritime energy assets.
Politico and The Moscow Times add details about the Qendil's location and the strategic importance of the shadow fleet, with the latter quoting Ukrainian sources calling the tanker an "absolutely legitimate target" and warning Russia that Ukraine will strike globally.
Together, these sources paint a picture of an intensifying, sophisticated Ukrainian campaign aimed at crippling Russia's war funding through targeted strikes on energy infrastructure, both on land and at sea, while navigating complex geopolitical and legal challenges.
How we got here
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kyiv has targeted Russian military and energy assets to weaken Moscow's war effort. Recently, Ukraine expanded its campaign from land-based strikes to maritime targets, including oil platforms and tankers, to cut off critical revenue streams supporting Russia's military operations.
Go deeper
- How do Ukraine's drone strikes affect Russia's war funding?
- What is Russia's 'shadow fleet' and why is it targeted?
- What are the international legal implications of strikes in neutral waters?
Common question
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What was Ukraine's recent drone attack on a Russian tanker?
Ukraine has recently carried out a bold drone attack on a Russian-flagged tanker in the Mediterranean, marking its first military operation in this strategic region. This move raises questions about Ukraine's expanding military reach and the broader implications for regional and global security. Below, we explore the details of this attack, why Ukraine targeted vessels in the Mediterranean, and what it means for international relations.
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Why Is Ukraine Targeting Russian Oil Ships and Platforms?
Recent developments show Ukraine launching drone strikes on Russian maritime and energy assets, including oil ships and offshore platforms. This raises questions about Ukraine's strategic goals, the impact on global oil supplies, and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict with Russia. Below, we explore the reasons behind these attacks and what they mean for international security and energy markets.
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How Are Ongoing Conflicts in Ukraine and Bangladesh Impacting Global Stability?
Recent developments in Ukraine and Bangladesh are shaping the world's political and economic landscape. From Ukraine's maritime strikes targeting Russian energy assets to Bangladesh's post-election unrest, these conflicts raise questions about their broader implications. How do these events influence global stability, economies, and regional tensions? Below, we explore the key questions and what to watch for next.
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What Do Ukraine's Recent Drone Attacks Mean for Modern Warfare?
Ukraine's latest drone strikes on Russian maritime and energy targets highlight a new era in conflict tactics. These operations demonstrate how modern warfare increasingly relies on precision, technology, and strategic disruption beyond traditional land battles. Curious about how these attacks impact global security and what they reveal about current military strategies? Keep reading to explore the significance of Ukraine's evolving tactics and the broader implications for international relations.
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Why Is Ukraine Targeting Russian Energy Infrastructure Now?
Recently, Ukraine has intensified its attacks on Russian energy assets, including offshore platforms and maritime vessels. This shift raises questions about Ukraine's strategic goals, the impact on global energy markets, and the broader implications for the ongoing conflict. Below, we explore the reasons behind these strikes and what they mean for the future of the Ukraine-Russia war.
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How Do Ukraine’s Drone Strikes Impact Global Energy Supplies?
Ukraine's recent escalation in drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure has raised concerns worldwide. These strikes target key oil platforms, maritime vessels, and energy assets, aiming to weaken Russia's military funding and disrupt energy exports. But what does this mean for global energy markets, and how might it influence geopolitical stability? Below, we explore the implications of Ukraine’s actions and answer common questions about their broader impact.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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The PJSC Lukoil Oil Company is a Russian multinational energy corporation headquartered in Moscow, specializing in the business of extraction, production, transport, and sale of petroleum, natural gas, and petroleum products.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Odesa, also spelled Odessa, is the third-most populous city and municipality in Ukraine and a major seaport and transport hub located in the south-west of the country, on the northwestern shore of the Black Sea. The city is also the administrative centre.