A Bad Day at the Trough: The SBU and the Sudden Collapse of Russia’s Shadow Fleet

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The SBU has reached the Mediterranean Sea. Some 2,000 kilometres from Ukraine, long-range drones operated by the SBU’s Alpha Group struck and disabled another tanker from Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” Observers have already dubbed the operation a “spider web on water” — a reference to the method used to deliver the drones to their target.

There are also rumours being actively circulated that not only was the tanker scrapped, but that a “Russian state security officer” — possibly even a general — may have been involved. This, however, has not been confirmed anywhere yet, and rightly so: first the carcass was ceremoniously buried, and only then did the fireworks begin.

Moreover, Alpha demonstrated remarkable achievements not only in operational planning but also in ecology and diplomacy. The tanker QENDIL was deliberately guided into neutral waters, thus avoiding the creation of an unpleasant precedent in any sovereign jurisdiction. It was struck only after it had been confirmed to be empty — a point the Service’s specialists stress separately, noting that environmental considerations were a key factor in the planning. As a result, the marine biosphere was spared the spill of thousands of tonnes of oil.
And so the trough burned down, and was then limped into some port. With the critical damage sustained, it can no longer be used to transport oil (or stolen agricultural products from occupied Ukrainian territories, for which vessels of the “shadow fleet” are also frequently employed). It’s only remaining destination is the scrapyard.

Several media outlets report that the tanker QENDIL was returning to the Russian Baltic port of Ust-Luga after unloading oil at the Indian port of Sikka, which services the world’s largest oil refinery in Jamnagar.

Until now, Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — which bankrolls the continued killing of Ukrainians — had been targeted closer to home, primarily in the Black Sea and even near Turkish waters. But SBU drones are pushing their operational horizons farther every day. And it is unlikely that any of Ukraine’s allies will object — especially now, when weakening Russia directly reduces the cost of the war for Europe.

“The Russian Federation used this tanker to circumvent sanctions and generate revenue for its war against Ukraine. From the standpoint of international law and the laws and customs of war, this makes it an entirely legitimate target for the SBU,” an informed source within the Service said. “The enemy must understand that Ukraine will not stop — and will strike wherever it is, in any part of the world

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