Newly released footage shows a Ukrainian drone striking the Greek-owned oil tanker Delta Harmony near the Black Sea coast, marking another direct hit on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. The incident occurred on January 13, 2026, near Novorossiysk and resulted in a fire breaking out on the vessel’s deck after impact.

Russian authorities attributed the strike to Ukraine, confirming that the Delta Harmony was one of two tankers targeted while waiting to load Kazakh crude oil. While the full extent of the damage has not been publicly detailed, the footage clearly shows flames onboard, underscoring the growing reach and precision of Ukraine’s maritime drone operations.

The Delta Harmony is part of a network of aging tankers commonly referred to as Russia’s shadow fleet — vessels used to bypass Western sanctions and continue exporting oil to fund Moscow’s war effort. These ships often operate with opaque ownership structures, minimal insurance coverage, and questionable safety standards, posing both economic and environmental risks.

Ukraine has increasingly focused on disrupting this fleet since 2024, treating it as a legitimate strategic target in its effort to cut off Russian revenue streams. Maritime tracking data indicates that more than 20 shadow fleet vessels were damaged in similar attacks last year, signaling a sustained and deliberate campaign rather than isolated incidents.

The strike near Novorossiysk highlights the vulnerability of Russia’s energy logistics even far from the front lines. By targeting tankers rather than fixed infrastructure, Ukraine is raising costs for insurers, shippers, and buyers while complicating Russia’s ability to quietly move oil through global markets.

As the war continues, attacks on the shadow fleet reflect a broader shift toward economic and logistical warfare at sea. The message from Kyiv is increasingly clear: vessels enabling sanctioned oil exports are no longer safe, and the Black Sea is becoming an ever more contested space in the conflict.