Ukraine Exposes Alleged Russian Tanker Espionage Network

Kyiv – The Ukrainian government has exposed what it claims is a Russian espionage network operating under the cover of its commercial oil tanker fleet. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of using these vessels for “reconnaissance and even sabotage activities.”
This serious allegation suggests that Russia is embedding military and intelligence operations within its civilian maritime industry. Zelenskyy stated that the tankers are being used for far more than just “to earn money for the war.”
A counter-plan is already in the works, according to the Ukrainian president. He announced that Kyiv is working closely with its allies to find a way to neutralize this threat, expressing his firm belief that “it is entirely possible to stop this.”
The accusation of a tanker spy network came as Russian President Vladimir Putin was celebrating more traditional military successes. He claimed his forces had captured nearly 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory this year, giving Moscow the “complete strategic initiative.”
Putin also turned his attention to geopolitics, warning the U.S. that supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would be a grave error. He stated it would trigger a “qualitatively new stage of escalation” and would lead to the complete breakdown of their bilateral relationship.