Ukraine Strikes Russia's Shadow Fleet: Kuleba Reveals How Many Vessels Were Hit.

The Operations of Russia's Shadow Fleet in Ukraine

According to Espreso.tv: Concerns are mounting in Ukraine over the activities of Russia's so-called shadow fleet. Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Kuleba has reported targeted strikes against sanctioned vessels and accused Moscow of launching numerous assaults on commercial shipping. Specifically, during 2025, Ukraine struck approximately ten sanctioned ships belonging to Russia's covert maritime network. At the same time, since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has attacked over 200 merchant vessels—a statistic that has sparked growing alarm within the international community.

Attacks and International Response

In early June, Russia filed a complaint with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Kuleba pointed out that legitimate questions have arisen about whether the operations of these ships can be considered ordinary commercial activities. He further emphasized that Russian oil and gas carriers are crucial for generating budget revenue for the Russian Federation and sustaining its military campaign.

Among the attacks carried out by Russia was an incident in March involving the tanker Arctic Metagaz while it was transiting the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, Moscow targeted 59 cargo ships, including the Turkish-flagged MV Victress and the German-flagged Helga, which was transporting 25,000 tons of corn to Chornomorsk. Kuleba stated that these assaults provide further evidence of Russia's blatant disregard for international humanitarian law, the rules governing naval warfare, and the safety of commercial navigation.

In response, the European Union is preparing its 21st sanctions package against Russia. This new round of restrictions is expected to include a $60-per-barrel price cap on Russian oil. The shadow fleet—a network of aging, largely uninsured tankers—continues to face international scrutiny and investigation.

The situation surrounding Russia's shadow fleet and its attacks on commercial vessels highlights the escalating conflict in the Black Sea region and the challenges confronting the global community. Moscow's violations of international norms underscore the need for stronger coordinated efforts to secure vital sea lanes. The EU's upcoming sanctions could represent a critical step in countering aggression and reinforcing support for Ukraine's sovereignty.