Ukrainian forces have conducted a week-long drone offensive targeting Russia's "shadow fleet" in the Sea of Azov, reportedly destroying 116 vessels, including tankers and cargo ships. The operation aims to disrupt fuel supplies to Moscow-controlled Crimea.
Major Robert 'Magyar' Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's drone forces, stated on July 15 that the "shadow fleet is wasting away," highlighting the impact of the strikes. The Sea of Azov, situated between Russia and occupied southern Ukraine, including Crimea, is a critical export route for agricultural products and supplies to the peninsula.
Tactical Approach
Ukraine's strategy involves coordinated strikes on Russian air defenses and oil refineries, weakening Moscow's ability to counter drone attacks. The development of long-range FP-2 drones, capable of traveling at least 250 miles, has been instrumental. These drones are launched from mobile positions within Ukraine and fly low to evade radar. They target smaller courier vessels transporting fuel to Crimea or larger Black Sea ships that are restricted from shallower waters.
Instead of sinking vessels, Ukrainian drones aim to disable their steering and communication systems by striking the bridge. This tactic forces Russia to deploy tugboats to recover disabled ships, creating new targets and straining military logistics. Major Brovdi's objective is to compel Russia to rely on land supply routes, which are also vulnerable to Ukrainian drone strikes.
Economic Impact
Industry sources reported that several grain ships were hit and caught fire on July 13 and July 14. "They are standing there like targets before a firing squad. In a couple of days, there won't be a single intact boat left in the Sea of Azov, only damaged ones," one source commented.
The Sea of Azov remained under restricted shipping on Tuesday. Commercial vessels were reportedly unable to enter or leave the sea via the Kerch Strait or the Azov-Don channel.
Russian Response
Russia has accused Ukraine of terrorism, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stating that the actions "go beyond even piracy" and are intended "simply to cause damage and intimidate."
Insurance and Logistics Challenges
On June 28, President Vladimir Putin directed his government to increase fuel shipments to Crimea in response to previous Ukrainian drone attacks on overland routes. However, reports indicate that Russian insurers have withdrawn war-risk coverage for tankers, and the finance ministry is blocking proposals for state-backed insurance guarantees due to budget constraints.
The Agriculture Ministry acknowledged that export logistics might be redirected. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian military source asserted that Ukrainian forces target only military assets or those contributing to Russia's combat capability, denying claims of attacks on civilian vessels and suggesting Russia uses such accusations as a pretext for its own strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.
