Introduction:
Ukraine has conducted a drone strike on a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait, just a day after a Russian warship was targeted in the Black Sea. The attack is the latest incident in the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia over control of the Black Sea and the strategic Kerch Strait.
Drone Strike on Russian Tanker:
According to a Ukrainian security source, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) carried out the drone strike on the Russian tanker named ‘SIG’, which was transporting fuel for Russian troops. The attack was conducted jointly with the Ukrainian navy in Ukrainian territorial waters. The ship was reportedly well-loaded with fuel, resulting in a significant explosion visible from a distance.
Previous Attack on Russian Warship:
The drone strike on the Russian tanker comes after Ukraine targeted a Russian warship, the Olenegorsky Gornyak, at the Novorossiysk naval base in southern Russia. Ukraine’s motive behind the attack was to demonstrate its capability to target any Russian warship in the region.
Escalating Tensions:
The Black Sea has become a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Attacks on ships and naval bases have increased in recent weeks. Russia’s withdrawal from an agreement protecting Ukrainian grain exports through the Kerch Strait has added to the tensions.
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Impact and Responses:
The Russian tanker SIG suffered damage at the waterline, but it remained afloat. The Russian Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre confirmed that there were no casualties. However, the situation remains highly volatile, with both countries making strong statements about their determination to protect their interests in the region.
Conclusion:
The drone strike on the Russian tanker and the previous attack on a Russian warship highlight the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and Kerch Strait area. The situation continues to be closely monitored by the international community as it poses a potential threat to regional stability. Further updates are expected as the situation unfolds.