Two Russian nationals linked to the Wagner private military company and Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, were found to have been aboard a Russian oil tanker that was later hit by Ukrainian drones in the Mediterranean Sea, according to a joint investigation published on 12 January.
The tanker, Qendil, is part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, a group of ageing vessels used to bypass Western oil sanctions.
The ship was struck by Ukrainian drones on 19 December 2025 while operating in neutral Mediterranean waters. Ukraine’s Security Service later said the tanker suffered critical damage and would no longer be able to operate for its intended purpose.
Journalists from The Dossier Center and Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported that the two men were listed as “security” personnel in the vessel’s crew records. However, neither individual held any maritime qualifications or seafarer certificates.
The men were identified as Alexander Malakhov and Viktor Alexandrov. Records show
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