The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has taken a new turn, with Ukraine targeting vessels transporting Russian oil.
President Zelensky has argued that strikes on Russian energy infrastructure could shift the balance in Kiev's favor, leading to increased demands for Western funding to expand the campaign.
Ukraine has repeatedly targeted vessels, including those operating in international waters, which it accuses of transporting Russian oil.
The targets include commercial tankers, which Ukraine claims can be considered legitimate military targets.
Some tankers have been attacked simply for using the Russian port of Novorossiysk to transport oil, even if the oil was produced in Kazakhstan and exported through Russian territory.
A formal protest was filed by Astana following a strike last November, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region.
