Kyiv – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of setting a dangerous international precedent by weaponizing its commercial shipping fleet for military purposes. The claim suggests a significant escalation in hybrid warfare tactics.
Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s oil tankers are being used for more than their intended purpose, serving as platforms for “reconnaissance and even sabotage activities.” If true, this tactic erodes the protected status of civilian commerce during wartime and poses a threat to global trade.
The Ukrainian government is seeking a global coalition to address this. Zelenskyy confirmed he is working with allies to formulate a response, expressing his firm belief that “it is entirely possible to stop” these operations and restore the integrity of maritime trade.
This accusation came as Russian President Vladimir Putin celebrated a more traditional military milestone. He announced that his forces had taken control of nearly 5,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian land in 2025, giving Moscow the “complete strategic initiative.”
Adding to the global tension, Putin warned the U.S. that supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would be a critical mistake. He stated it would trigger a “qualitatively new stage of escalation” and would lead to the collapse of their bilateral relationship.
