Ukrainian drone strikes force a halt to shipping on the Sea of Azov

Russia has suspended shipping through the Sea of Azov after Ukrainian drones struck a large number of Russia-linked vessels over the course of a week, in a further escalation of the campaign against Moscow's maritime logistics. Ukrainian officials said their units hit 10 tankers and four ferries in a single overnight wave, alongside strikes on an inland oil refinery and electricity infrastructure in occupied Crimea.

Russian shipping through the Don-Azov canal, which links the Sea of Azov with Russia's inland river network and the Caspian Sea, was suspended toward the end of the week, a significant blow to Moscow's export options and military logistics. The Sea of Azov is used to move oil products, grain, steel and military supplies through occupied ports, and Ukrainian officials and analysts say the latest attacks are designed to isolate Crimea, disrupt fuel flows and reduce Russia's ability to sustain operations in southern Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces said their operators struck 28 ships on one day, including 21 tankers, four tugs and two cargo ships, followed by 14 more vessel strikes the following night. Taken with earlier attacks, Kyiv claims around 90 Russia-linked ships have been targeted in a week. Footage released by Ukrainian forces shows night-time drone approaches against tankers and ferries, many apparently at anchor, with some vessels fitted with protective cages and ropes that have not prevented strikes.

Ukrainian officials framed the campaign as an effort to complicate the use of vessels that bypass international sanctions and to disrupt the wider logistics system behind Russian oil exports. The maritime attacks are running in parallel with strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, while Russia has in turn targeted Ukrainian ports and vessels on the Black Sea.