Ukrainian drone evades Russian helicopter fire, hits oil tanker

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency on Tuesday released video footage that appears to show a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) maneuvering to avoid gunfire from a Russian Mi‑8 helicopter before hitting a Russian‑flagged oil tanker operating in the Black Sea. The clip, which was posted on the agency’s official Telegram channel, depicts the drone flying at low altitude, receiving fire from the helicopter, and then delivering a payload that strikes the vessel’s hull, causing visible damage and a plume of smoke.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the region, where both sides have intensified the use of aerial assets to target maritime logistics supporting the war effort. Russian authorities have not yet confirmed the loss of the tanker, identified in the footage as the “Moscow‑Petro,” nor have they released details on any casualties. Ukrainian officials described the operation as a “successful strike against enemy supply lines,” while Russian military spokespeople warned of “increased threats to vessels navigating the Black Sea.” The footage adds to a series of recent confrontations that underscore the expanding role of drones and air power in the ongoing conflict.