Ukraine has claimed that long-range drone strikes targeted eight Russian-linked shadow fleet tankers in the Sea of Azov, with the country’s top drone warfare commander reporting significant damage during an overnight operation on 7 July.
As reported, Robert Brovdi said the attack produced “industrial-scale results”, claiming that Ukrainian drones also struck a dry cargo vessel and a ferry alongside a convoy of eight fuel tankers. He further said the tankers were badly damaged and on fire.
“The shadow fleet is leaving the area,” Brovdi said in a Telegram post, adding that “the battle for fuel for Crimea in the Sea of Azov continues.”
Furthermore, John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told the Kyiv Independent that the strikes form part of Ukraine’s wider campaign to disrupt Russian logistics, including fuel supplies to Crimea.
The reported strikes come as Ukraine has intensified attacks on logistics and energy infrastructure in Crimea, contributing to fuel shortages and the declaration of a state of emergency in the territory.
Ukrainian forces have previously used maritime drones to target and disable vessels transporting Russian oil in the Black Sea, as part of efforts to limit Moscow’s energy revenues.
A series of explosions has also affected tankers visiting Russian ports, with Ukraine neither confirming nor denying involvement, while maritime security sources have suggested possible Ukrainian links.