Dramatic video released Friday shows a Russian oil tanker being blown up by Ukrainian drones in an “unprecedented special operation” in neutral waters in the Mediterranean Sea. The footage of the attack showed the shadow fleet tanker being obliterated more than 1,200 miles from Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine said. The out-of-area operation marks the first time Kyiv has struck in neutral waters, according to officials. Until now, Ukraine’s security service has only claimed responsibility for drone attacks in the Black Sea.
The Qendil vessel, which was empty at the time, is said to have suffered critical damage. Ukraine insisted the strike “posed no threat” to the environment, claiming the vessel wasn’t carrying cargo at the time.
