Ukraine raids hit 76 Russian vessels, close Kerch Strait

Ukraine has launched a sustained and escalating drone campaign targeting Russian maritime logistics in the Sea of Azov, claiming strikes on dozens of vessels and forcing a suspension of commercial shipping through the critical Kerch Strait. The operation, which Ukrainian officials describe as a strategic effort to isolate Russian-occupied Crimea, represents a significant shift in Kyiv's war effort toward disrupting enemy supply routes.

According to Ukrainian military officials, unmanned aerial and surface vehicles have struck at least 76 Russian vessels over a recent six-day period. The commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert Brovdi, stated that a major overnight operation on July 11 targeted 28 ships, including 21 tankers, four tugboats, two cargo ships, and one special-purpose vessel. This brought the total number of claimed strikes over several days to 105. Ukraine asserts that many of the targeted ships are part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," vessels allegedly used to circumvent international sanctions and transport oil and military supplies.

The intensity of the attacks has reportedly compelled Russian authorities to suspend commercial shipping through...