A Russian oil tanker was reportedly attacked by Ukrainian drones off the Libyan coast, raising concerns about the conflict’s expansion into the Mediterranean region.
The incident was first reported by The Guardian, citing an unnamed Ukrainian security source familiar with the operation.
According to the report, the targeted vessel is part of what Western governments describe as Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a group of tankers allegedly used to bypass international sanctions and continue exporting oil.
The Ukrainian source said the tanker was empty at the time of the attack, emphasizing that the strike posed no environmental risk to Libyan waters or surrounding maritime routes.
The source characterized the operation as “special, new, and unprecedented,” suggesting a shift in Ukraine’s operational reach and its willingness to target Russian energy logistics far from the battlefield.
While Ukrainian authorities have not officially claimed responsibility, Kyiv has increasingly signaled its intent to disrupt Russian oil revenues, which are seen as a key source of funding for Moscow’s military operations.
Maritime tracking data from VesselFinder indicates that the tanker last docked at Egypt’s Suez port on December 16 before entering the Mediterranean.
The vessel was sailing off the Libyan coastline when it abruptly altered course, a move widely interpreted as a response to damage or a security emergency following the reported drone strike.
The incident prompted a sharp reaction from Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying that Russia would “certainly respond,” heightening fears of escalation.
Russian authorities have not yet disclosed detailed information about the extent of the damage or the tanker’s current condition.
Although Libya was not directly involved, the attack has drawn attention to the country’s strategic maritime location along major international shipping lanes. Analysts warn that military activity near Libya’s coast could increase risks to regional maritime security and complicate already fragile conditions in the central Mediterranean.