Putin Says Russia Won’t Attack If Treated with Respect
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SBU Claims First Strike Against Russian ‘Ghost Fleet’ Tanker in Mediterranean sea
Table of Contents
– Last updated December 19, 2024, 14:38:07 UTC
Overview of the Incident
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) asserts it successfully attacked the tanker candle, part of Russia’s “Ghost Fleet,” in what it describes as neutral waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This marks the first reported instance of the SBU directly targeting a vessel within this fleet. According to sources cited by Ukrainian media and Agence France-Presse, the operation occurred approximately 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine.
The SBU argues the attack was legally justified under international law and the laws of war,claiming Russia was utilizing the tanker to circumvent sanctions and finance its ongoing military operations in Ukraine.The vessel sustained “irreversible damage” according to reports to RBK-Ukraine.
Details of the Targeted Vessel
The Candle is flagged under the Omani flag and, according to Bloomberg’s ship-tracking data, departed Sikka, India, en route to Ust-Luga, Russia. Bloomberg reports the vessel altered course during the night of February 15-16, 2024, turning around when it was over 250 kilometers off the coasts of Greece and Libya. This change in trajectory was corroborated by satellite imagery analyzed by Agence France-Presse.
The SBU source stated the tanker was empty at the time of the attack, and the operation posed no environmental risk. However, autonomous verification of these claims is currently unavailable.
The ‘Ghost Fleet’ and Sanctions Evasion
The “Ghost Fleet” refers to a network of aging tankers used by Russia to transport oil and fuel, often operating under the flags of other nations to obscure their ownership and evade international sanctions imposed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These vessels frequently utilize ship-to-ship transfers to further conceal the origin and destination of the cargo. reuters has extensively documented the operations of this fleet.
Western governments have been actively attempting to disrupt Russia’s ability to finance the war through energy revenues. Sanctions aim to limit Russia’s access to the global oil market and reduce its financial resources. The SBU’s action suggests a broadening of Ukraine’s efforts to directly target the infrastructure supporting Russia’s war economy, extending beyond attacks within Ukrainian territory.
Legal and International Implications
The SBU’s claim of a ”legitimate target” raises complex legal questions. While international law permits targeting military objectives, the definition of such objectives can be contested, particularly when dealing with civilian vessels. Attacking a tanker in international waters could be viewed as an act of maritime warfare, potentially escalating tensions.
The principle of proportionality,a cornerstone of international humanitarian law,requires that any military action avoid excessive collateral damage to civilians or civilian infrastructure.The SBU’s assertion that the tanker was empty and posed no environmental