Putin promises to respond to drone attack in the Mediterranean

Agnès Ericson

Published 2025-12-19 18.30

 

Putin promises a response to the attack. Photo: Sergei Ilnitsky / AP

Ukraine claims that they have struck against the Russian shadow fleet.

In what they themselves call an “unprecedented special operation”, a tanker was hit – in the middle of the Mediterranean.

Vladimir Putin promises to respond

The Ukrainian drone attack was carried out 200 miles from the Ukrainian border.

This is reported by the Ukrainian armed forces, referring to a source with insight into the Ukrainian security service SBU.

The attack was allegedly carried out in neutral waters and the ship, called QENDIL, was allegedly emptied of oil.

 

The ship was attacked in neutral waters. Photo: Ukrainian Security Service Via AP

200 miles from the border

"Ukrainian Security Service conducted a new, unprecedented special operation more than 2,000 kilometers from the territory of our country," the SBU writes on Telegram.

The ship has received "critical damage" and can no longer be used.

The SBU claims that Russia is using it to circumvent sanctions and therefore calls it a legitimate target.

- The enemy must understand that Ukraine will not stop and will attack them anywhere in the world, wherever it is, says a source in the security service.

The ship was completely knocked out by the attack, according to the Ukrainian Security Service.

Promises to respond

Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the attack at a press conference and said that it will not affect any deliveries - but creates an additional threat.

- A response from us will definitely follow, says Putin.