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Overview
On 18 December 2025, a Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Russian oil tanker Valery Gorchakov in the port of Rostov-on-Don, escalating maritime tensions in the Black Sea region. The attack caused fatalities, injuries, and infrastructure damage, highlighting growing risks to global shipping and energy markets.
Timeline of Events
00:00 – 01:00 (Local Time): Multiple Ukrainian drones launched towards Rostov-on-Don.
~01:30: Drones hit the Valery Gorchakov, igniting a fire on the vessel.
02:00: Russian air defence claims to have intercepted three drones over Rostov region.
05:21: Fire on the tanker extinguished by emergency crews.
Morning: Russian authorities confirm casualties and damage to nearby residential areas.
Casualties
Onboard:
2 crew members killed
3 injured
Onshore:
1 civilian killed in Bataysk
Several others injured by falling debris
Ship Details
Name: Valery Gorchakov
Type: Oil tanker
Built: 1969
Role: Part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to bypass Western sanctions
Condition: Fire contained, no oil spill reported
Damage Assessment
Tanker: Fire damage limited to ~20 m²
Infrastructure:
The high-rise under construction damaged
Two private homes affected
Environmental Impact: Avoided a major disaster due to quick containment
Strategic Context
Rostov-on-Don is a key logistics hub for Russian oil shipments via the Sea of Azov.
Ukraine’s strike aims to disrupt Russia’s oil revenue and military supply chain.
Russia vows retaliation, with President Putin threatening to cut Ukraine off from the sea.
International Reaction
IMO: Warned against targeting civilian shipping, citing environmental and crew safety risks.
ITF: Condemned attacks, stating: “Seafarers are not a weapon of war.”
Impact: Surge in war-risk insurance premiums for Black Sea voyages.
Broader Pattern
This incident follows recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian tankers Kairos, Virat, and Dashan, signalling a sustained campaign against Russia’s maritime oil infrastructure.
