Moscow Threatens Retaliation After Ukraine Drones Strike Russian Tankers In Black Sea

Moscow, Dec 2025 – President Vladimir Putin has warned of potential escalation against Ukraine and ships of other nations following an underwater drone attack on two Russian tankers last week in the Black Sea. Speaking to Russia’s main news agency, TASS, Putin described the Ukrainian operations as “piracy” and suggested that the most extreme response could be to “cut off” Ukraine from maritime access.

“The most radical way to stop these actions would be to cut them off,” Putin said. “We want to keep Ukraine away from the sea.” He further criticized the attacks, stating that they targeted tankers not only in neutral waters but also within the exclusive economic zones of other countries. “This is Ukrainian piracy. Russia will consider retaliatory measures against ships of countries that support these attacks,” he added.

According to TASS, Putin also indicated that Russia might expand its assaults on Ukrainian ports and vessels attempting to enter them. The remarks came after a coordinated strike over Friday and Saturday, in which Ukrainian underwater drones reportedly targeted two Russian tankers belonging to Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet.” Security sources confirmed that Sea Baby maritime drones were used in the joint operation by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and navy. Ukrainian sources described the tankers as suffering severe damage and rendered entirely out of service, noting the blow to Russian oil transportation.

Russia relies on hundreds of tankers to move oil internationally despite sanctions, often under foreign flags for operational convenience. One of the targeted vessels, the Gambia-flagged tanker Viraat, sustained damage for the second consecutive day, Turkish authorities reported, although the crew did not request to abandon ship. A firefighting tugboat was dispatched to assist. Its destination remained unclear, with shipping data indicating it was awaiting orders in the Black Sea. The Viraat had previously faced U.S., U.K., and EU sanctions.

A second tanker, the Gambia-flagged Kairos, carrying Russian crude, was also hit on Friday, resulting in severe damage. All 25 crew members were safely evacuated. Neither vessel was in Turkish waters at the time of the attacks.

The incidents underscore Ukraine’s intensifying maritime capabilities and highlight Moscow’s vulnerability in sustaining its oil exports amid ongoing sanctions. With President Putin signaling possible retaliation, the Black Sea remains a highly tense and strategically critical theater in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.