Russian shadow fleet tanker under Ukrainian sanctions catches fire near Sochi

According to Ukrinform, this was reported by the Astra Telegram channel. AFRAMAX RIO (IMO: 9273844) is a large crude oil tanker. It is not included on the EU or Ukraine's allies' sanctions lists, but it was added to Ukraine's sanctions list by a decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine dated February 12, 2026, along with 90 other Russian shadow fleet vessels. According to the National Security and Defense Council, the vessel is owned by a company registered in the Marshall Islands, RIO ENTERPRISES SA. Its operations and chartering were carried out through international operator Navig8 Group of Singapore and Greek management companies, including Hellenic Tankers Co Ltd.