Ukrainian forces have struck another vessel linked to russia's so-called shadow fleet operating in the Black Sea, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The military reported on June 10 that the WEST Horizon tanker was successfully hit while sailing in the Black Sea. Ukrainian officials stated that the vessel's propulsion and steering system suffered confirmed damage, impairing its ability to maneuver.
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According to the General Staff, the tanker was operating under the flag of Guinea-Bissau and was allegedly involved in transporting chemical and petroleum products on behalf of russia. The vessel is said to have been used to circumvent international sanctions and trade restrictions imposed on Moscow following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The strike marks another Ukrainian effort to disrupt russia's maritime logistics network and apply pressure on the shadow fleet that has become increasingly important for maintaining exports and imports despite Western sanctions.
Shadow fleet vessels typically operate through complex ownership structures, frequent flag changes, and opaque registration practices. Such methods are designed to conceal links to russian entities and reduce the effectiveness of international restrictions targeting the country's energy sector.
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