A vessel from Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” has been attacked in the Mediterranean, according to journalist Alexander Nevzorov. He said the ship was struck by sea drones, sparking a fire on board. He posted video of the burning vessel and reported dead and wounded. CNN cannot independently verify these claims.
Nevzorov said the strike was allegedly carried out by Ukrainian forces. He claims uncrewed boats departed a Greek port, traveled about 500 kilometers underwater, and then launched drones at the target. He identified the vessel as the Qendil, a tanker in Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to evade sanctions.
According to Nevzorov, at least two people were killed and seven injured. He also alleged that GRU Major General Andrei Averyanov may have been killed.
Nevzorov describes Averyanov as one of the key organizers of Russia’s covert operations overseas and claims he traveled across Europe on “shadow fleet” vessels. He incorrectly identified Averyanov as Russia’s military intelligence chief; in fact, the GRU is currently led by Admiral Igor Kostyukov.
Other sources indirectly echoed reports of the incident. The TV channel Pryamyi published a screenshot from an unknown Russian social media group citing a nighttime strike on a ship and the death of a “high-ranking employee of one of the special services.”
Later, volunteer Serhii Sternenko said a Russian tanker was hit in the Mediterranean. He said the operation was conducted by the “Alpha” unit of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
Sternenko did not confirm Averyanov’s reported death, but said the vessel sustained critical damage and can no longer be used for its intended purpose. He added that the attack was carried out with drones, but aerial ones dropping munitions—not sea drones, as previously claimed.
