-
Ukraine's SBU announced significant upgrades to its Sea Baby naval drones, extending their range from 1,000 to 1,500 km and increasing payload capacity. These drones, now equipped with AI targeting and multiple weapon variants, have been used successfully against Russian vessels and infrastructure, marking a shift in Black Sea naval warfare.
-
On Nov 28-29, 2025, Ukrainian naval drones attacked two Russian-sanctioned oil tankers, Kairos and Virat, in Turkey's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. Both vessels, part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to evade sanctions, were damaged; Kairos caught fire while Virat sustained minor damage. Turkey condemned the attacks and is engaging with parties to prevent escalation. Separately, UK officials reported increased Russian naval activity near British waters, including laser targeting of RAF pilots by the Russian spy ship Yantar.
-
A Russian court sentenced eight individuals to life imprisonment for the October 2022 bombing of the Crimean Bridge. The attack, claimed by Ukraine, caused significant damage and casualties, prompting Russia to retaliate with strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. The defendants deny involvement, asserting they were unaware of explosives in their cargo.
-
Ukrainian sea drones struck and damaged the Dashan tanker in the Black Sea, marking the third attack on vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet aiding oil exports. The vessel was sailing with transponders off, and no casualties are confirmed. The attack aims to disrupt Russia’s oil trade amid ongoing conflict.
-
Ukrainian drones attacked the Filanovsky and Korchagin oil rigs operated by Russia’s Lukoil in the Caspian Sea, disrupting over 20 wells. This marks Kyiv’s first strike on Caspian oil infrastructure, aiming to weaken Russia’s energy resources amid ongoing conflict.