Ukrainian forces have struck 116 Russian vessels in a week-long drone offensive in the Sea of Azov, a development that Ukrainian drone commander Major Robert 'Magyar' Brovdi described on July 15 as the "shadow fleet is wasting away." The operation, which intensified on July 14 with drone attacks on Russian tankers, aims to disrupt Russia's fuel shipments to Moscow-controlled Crimea and undermine its broader maritime logistics.
The Sea of Azov, situated between Russia, occupied southern Ukraine, and Crimea, serves as a crucial export route for agricultural products, including grain that Ukraine alleges is stolen by Russia. The drone strikes target smaller courier vessels that transport fuel to Crimea or transfer it to larger ships in the Black Sea. These craft are often referred to as a "shadow fleet" operating outside conventional shipping insurance and regulations.
Ukraine's strategy relies on coordinated strikes that degrade Russian air defenses, the development of long-range FP-2 drones capable of traveling at least 250 miles, and exploiting a perceived strategic miscalculation by Russia. The drones are launched from mobile positions within Ukraine and fly low to evade radar. Rather than sinking targets, the drones aim to disable steering and communication systems by striking the bridge, forcing Russia to deploy tugboats, which then become potential targets themselves.
Industry sources indicated that several grain and cargo ships were hit and caught fire between July 13 and July 14. One source described the vessels as being "standing there like targets before a firing squad." Shipping in the Sea of Azov has been restricted, with commercial vessels unable to enter or leave via the Kerch Strait or the Azov-Don channel.
Russia has accused Ukraine of terrorism over the escalating attacks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that "What the Ukrainian regime is doing goes beyond even piracy" and called the actions "terrorism, pure and simple."
Ukrainian officials assert that their forces target only military assets or those contributing to Russia's combat capability, not civilian cargo. They suggest that Russia's claims of civilian vessel attacks are a pretext to justify its own strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.
The drone campaign complicates Russia's efforts to supply Crimea. On June 28, President Vladimir Putin directed an increase in maritime fuel shipments to the peninsula in response to Ukrainian drone strikes on overland routes. However, the Moscow Times reports that Russian insurers have withdrawn war-risk coverage for tankers, and the finance ministry is reportedly blocking state-backed insurance guarantees, citing budget constraints.
While Russia's Agriculture Ministry stated that export logistics would be redirected if necessary, the disruption to maritime routes could impact grain and petroleum exports, particularly through the port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea.