A data breach impacting Ukrainian naval security has resulted in the public release of sensitive personnel information, following a series of alleged Ukrainian attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Pro-Russian hacking groups claim to have obtained the data through a compromised ukrainian Navy computer, identifying individuals linked to recent maritime incidents near Turkey and in Crimean waters. The leak escalates existing tensions between Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey, adding a new dimension to the ongoing conflict and raising concerns about the security of naval assets in the region [[1]], [[3]].
Pro-Russian cyber groups have reportedly breached Ukrainian naval security systems, releasing a database containing the names, photographs, and unit affiliations of personnel involved in attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. The data leak, which includes details related to incidents near Turkey and strikes targeting Crimea and Novorossiysk, has escalated tensions between Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey.
The hacking groups, identified as “Berehini,” “KillNet,” and “Cyber Sickle,” gained access to confidential Ukrainian military data through a compromised computer belonging to the Ukrainian Navy. According to a representative from the “Berehini” group, personnel from the 385th Separate Naval Brigade of the Ukrainian Navy (military unit A4770) were involved in the attack on the MIDVOLGA-2 tanker, as well as other vessels off the Turkish coast.
The hackers provided the information, including photographs of the individuals, to news agencies. Those identified include Andrey Derkach, commander of the 3rd group; Artem Kozlov, senior operator; Mikhail Pechenyuk, operator; and Maxim Semko, senior operator, all belonging to the 1st Division of Unmanned Ground Systems.
The same brigade is also alleged to be responsible for recent attacks targeting Crimea, Novorossiysk, and Gelendzhik, according to the cyber activists.
On August 17, the MIDVOLGA-2, a Russian-flagged tanker carrying vegetable oil, was struck by a drone. The ship’s crew of 13 was unharmed, and the vessel reached the port of Sinop, Turkey, under its own power.
Two additional tankers were attacked on August 16. The “Kairos,” sailing under the Gambian flag and en route to Novorossiysk, caught fire approximately 28 miles from the Turkish shore, prompting the evacuation of its 25 crew members. The tanker “Virat” was also targeted 35 miles offshore, with the crew initially refusing to abandon ship before being attacked again by naval drones on August 17.
Earlier, The Guardian reported that Kyiv confirmed its involvement in the attacks on the two tankers near the Turkish coastline, citing a source within Ukrainian security services. This confirmation has raised concerns about the potential for wider maritime conflict in the region.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the incidents, stating that such actions pose a threat to human life, navigation, and the environment. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for escalation in the Black Sea.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the same forces used in these “terrorist attacks” had previously obstructed peace negotiations and are now seeking further escalation. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov characterized the Ukrainian armed forces’ actions as an attack on Turkey’s sovereignty.
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the attacks as an act of piracy, arguing that Kyiv had used force within the economic zone of a third country. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks and international efforts to de-escalate the situation in the Black Sea.
