A sharp escalation in maritime hostilities has unsettled the Black Sea, after naval drones struck two commercial oil tankers in what industry observers describe as a turning point for civilian shipping security.
On November 29, the Kairos and Virat widely believed to be part of Russias shadow fleet were hit by naval drones reportedly operated by Ukraines Security Service SBU in coordination with the Ukrainian navy.
Though both vessels were said to be unladen, fires broke out and significant damage was sustained. The incident marks the first confirmed attack on non-military, non-Russian-flagged commercial vessels in international Black Sea waters.
