The National Agency of Ukraine for Asset Search and Management (ARMA) has successfully sold the Russian tanker Nika Spirit, which was arrested in 2019 for its involvement in the Kerch Strait incident. The vessel, 80% worn out, was sold for UAH 6,4 million (approximately $154), which is almost three times its estimated value. ARMA head Olena Duma emphasized that the deal was an example of effective asset management, despite the significant costs required to restore the tanker. The sale, conducted through the Prozorro.Sale platform, demonstrates Ukraine's efforts to monetize confiscated assets to replenish the state budget amid the ongoing conflict.

As reported by the Duma, the tanker Nika Spirit was sold to the company OOO Yu.biz, an operator of online trading of bankrupt and bankrupt property. An independent assessment showed that the vessel, built in 1989, requires investments of 20 million hryvnia to bring it into working condition. Despite this, ARMA managed to attract a buyer willing to invest in the restoration. The Duma also noted that the agency manages 16 more arrested vessels, the fate of which will be decided within the framework of similar transparent procedures. The proceeds from the sale of Nika Spirit, according to her, will be used to support state needs, including defense.

The Nika Spirit incident began in July 2019, when the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained the tanker in the port of Izmail in the Odessa region. Ukrainian authorities blamed the vessel for blocking the Kerch Strait in November 2018, when Russian forces prevented Ukrainian warships from passing through, leading to the seizure of three vessels and 24 sailors. The tanker, formerly known as Neyma, was seized by a Ukrainian court, and the crew was released and returned to Russia. Moscow called Kyiv’s actions “piracy” and demanded the ship’s release, but it remains under arrest pending sale.

According to UNN, the auction on April 21, 2025, was the first time a major Russian asset was sold through Prozorro. Sales, which underlines the transparency of the process. ARMA previously sold other assets linked to Russia, including 61 railcars of Belarusian potash for UAH 45,5 million, as reported on the agency's website. The sale of Nika Spirit, according to analysts, demonstrates Ukraine's ability to effectively manage confiscated property despite legal and technical difficulties.

The Russian side has not yet commented on the deal.