Ukrainian drones target 12 Russian fuel tankers in Azov

Ukrainian forces have carried out a major drone operation targeting Russian fuel tankers in the Sea of Azov, striking a dozen vessels over two nights in an effort to disrupt the supply of gasoline to occupied Crimea. The attacks, which occurred on July 6 and 7, represent one of the largest claimed assaults on Russian maritime fuel logistics since the full-scale invasion began.

According to statements from Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, drone operators first struck two tankers on July 6 in a joint operation with the Ukrainian Navy. The following night, they expanded the operation, hitting eight more sanctioned fuel tankers, along with a cargo ship and a ferry. The commander of the drone forces, Robert Brovdi, stated the total number of vessels targeted over the two nights was twelve. He described the action as part of the "battle for gasoline for Crimea," aimed at vessels transporting fuel from Russia's Taganrog to the occupied peninsula.

The targeted tankers are part of what is known as Russia's "shadow fleet," vessels under international sanctions used to circumvent Western restrictions. Ukrainian officials said the tankers each have a deadweight of approximately 7,000...