Ukrainian drone forces have launched a series of attacks in the Sea of Azov, hitting more than 100 Russian vessels, including oil tankers and cargo ships, in less than two weeks. In the most recent overnight strikes on Tuesday, drones hit 11 Russian vessels, specifically targeting fuel tankers, dry-cargo ships, and a tugboat. This drone blitz has effectively halted shipping in the Sea of Azov in under a week as Kyiv expands the scope of its maritime attacks.
Russia has accused Ukraine of terrorism over the escalating attacks on a shipping route that handles about a quarter of its grain exports. While the Kremlin denied that repeated attacks would impact its export capacity, the Russian Agriculture Ministry stated that alternative shipping routes are being sought to redirect ships. These operations have further isolated Moscow-occupied Crimea.
Meanwhile, Russia's Defence Ministry reported that it struck infrastructure used for Ukrainian military cargo. These strikes caused damage at the port of Chornomorsk, located close to Odesa.