Ukraine has claimed that long-range drone strikes targeted eight Russian-linked shadow fleet tankers in the Sea of Azov, with the country\u2019s top drone warfare commander reporting significant damage during an overnight operation on 7 July.<\/p>\n
As reported, Robert Brovdi said the attack produced \u201cindustrial-scale results\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe shadow fleet is leaving the area,\u201d Brovdi said in a Telegram post, adding that \u201cthe battle for fuel for Crimea in the Sea of Azov continues.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s wider campaign to disrupt Russian logistics, including fuel supplies to Crimea.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n