Recently, a third Russian tanker was spotted in Mariupol's port. This increased activity could be related to two factors, particularly the launches of Kalibr missiles from the Azov Sea, according to the advisor to the Mayor of Mariupol, Petro Andriushchenko.
Andriushchenko noted that the tanker was not in the port waters in the morning, but by the evening, it was already at the roadstead, heading towards the port entrance. The tanker visually appears capable of carrying up to 1,000 tons of petroleum products. During this time, it could have easily traveled to the port of Azov (Rostov-on-Don), Yeisk, and even Kerch under certain conditions.
Reasons behind the movement
According to Andriushchenko, there are two hypotheses regarding this movement.
- First, considering the strikes on oil depots and fuel storage sites, the Russians may have decided to distribute storage locations more widely.
- Second, given that the Kalibr missile carriers are still not in the ports of Azov but are hiding at anchorage points in the channel, there will eventually be a need for refueling.
Therefore, the occupiers may prepare the port for a quick night entry. It is worth noting that reports of two other tankers being spotted in the port of Mariupol were made on June 22 and June 14.
Russian ship activity in Mariupol
On June 22, it was reported that Russia began launching Kalibr missiles at Ukraine from the Azov Sea. Ukrainian military officials called this a turning point.
As of June 23, four Russian ships carrying Kalibr cruise missiles are recorded in the Black and Azov Seas. One is in the Black Sea, and three are in the Azov Sea.
The activity of Russian ships in the port of Mariupol is rare. In March, the first Russian ship of the year was spotted in the port of Mariupol. The second ship was recorded in Mariupol at the beginning of June.