Russia Attributes Drone Strikes on Greek-Managed Tankers in Black Sea to Ukraine

Athens, January 14, 2026 – Russian authorities on Wednesday accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on a Greek-managed oil tanker in the Black Sea, claiming the incident occurred the previous day (January 13).

According to Russian officials, the tanker Matilda, operated by Greek shipping company Thenamaris, was targeted near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal — a key facility responsible for loading approximately 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports. The vessel, which was anchored in ballast condition roughly 30 miles (about 48 km) offshore from the terminal, was struck by two drones. Russian sources described the attackers as Ukrainian strike UAVs, with the incident occurring approximately 100 km from the city of Anapa in Russia's Krasnodar region.

No crew members were injured in the attack, and the Matilda sustained only minor damage to its deck structures, which Thenamaris has confirmed is fully repairable. The tanker was reportedly en route to load crude from Kazakhstan's Karachaganak field under a charter linked to KazMunayGas.

A second Greek-managed vessel, the Delta Harmony operated by Delta Tankers, was also hit by a drone in the same vicinity on the same day. Russian statements did not address this separate incident. Reports indicate the Delta Harmony experienced a brief fire after being struck by a projectile, but the crew quickly extinguished it, with no injuries reported and the ship remaining operational.

The attacks took place amid ongoing tensions in the region, where vessels approaching Russian Black Sea terminals have faced increased risks. Kazakhstan's Energy Ministry acknowledged the incidents involving the Matilda and Delta Harmony, while broader reports suggest up to three or four Greek-managed tankers may have been affected in the area, though details on additional vessels remain unconfirmed by all parties.

No immediate comment came from Ukrainian authorities regarding the allegations. The events have contributed to heightened war risk insurance premiums for shipping in the Black Sea.