Ukrainian drones halt Russian shipping in Sea of Azov

A sustained Ukrainian drone campaign has effectively paralyzed Russian commercial shipping in the Sea of Azov, forcing Moscow to suspend key maritime routes and reroute grain exports. The attacks, which have targeted over 100 vessels in recent days, represent a significant escalation in Kyiv's efforts to disrupt Russian logistics and isolate occupied Crimea.

According to Ukrainian military officials, unmanned systems struck 11 more Russian vessels overnight on July 14, including tankers, dry cargo ships, and a tugboat. A Ukrainian commander stated the total number of vessels struck over the past nine days has reached 116. The campaign, which intensified around July 6, has compelled Russian authorities to temporarily suspend navigation through the critical Don-Azov Canal and halt passage applications for the Kerch Strait, the gateway from the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea.

In response, Russia's Ministry of Agriculture announced on July 14 that it is preparing to use alternative shipping routes and may redirect cargo to other modes of transport. The ministry asserted the situation would not affect domestic food supplies or overall export capabilities. However, analysts note the...