On December 19, 2025, Ukraine’s Security Service conducted a drone strike on the Russian-linked oil tanker Qendil in the Mediterranean Sea, marking a significant escalation in Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities. The operation, executed from a nearby vessel off the Libyan coast, targeted a tanker tied to Russia’s shadow fleet aimed at circumventing Western sanctions and funding military operations against Ukraine. This precision strike underscores Ukraine’s innovative warfare tactics and may inspire other nations facing similar hybrid threats. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the attack, promising retaliation while minimizing its impact, highlighting the complexities of maritime warfare and the broader implications for international security norms surrounding wartime economic assets.