Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has accused Russia of deploying oil tankers not only to generate revenue for its war efforts but also for intelligence gathering and sabotage missions targeting Europe. Following a briefing from Ukraine’s foreign intelligence chief, Oleh Ivashchenko, Zelenskiy revealed that Russia is exploiting vessels from its so-called "shadow fleet" to conduct espionage and destabilizing acts.
In his statements on October 7, 2025, Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukrainian intelligence agencies are collaborating closely with international partners to counter Russia’s covert use of these tankers. He pointed out that recent incidents involving drones launched from tankers serve as clear examples of sabotage activities. Zelenskiy called for a strong and coordinated response from allies to halt these operations.
The "shadow fleet" refers to a group of vessels that Russia uses with altered or fake registration to evade sanctions and continue its economic and military activities despite international restrictions. By utilizing these tankers for reconnaissance and sabotage, Russia aims to undermine the security and stability of European nations.
In a related development, reports surfaced of drone attacks targeting oil facilities in Russia’s western Siberian region of Tyumen, indicating possible Ukrainian strikes far beyond the front lines. While Russian authorities reported neutralizing three drones without damage or casualties, Ukrainian sources suggested a refinery might have been hit.
This revelation highlights escalating unconventional warfare tactics used by Russia and Ukraine in the ongoing conflict. Ukraine’s efforts to expose and counter the "shadow fleet" activities are part of a broader strategy to deter Russian military and economic maneuvers.