Ukraine strikes Russian shadow fleet with nine tanker hits in Azov Sea

Ukrainian drones have damaged nine Russian tanker vessels in the Azov Sea during a fresh overnight assault, according to Kyiv’s drone forces commander Robert Brovdi. The strikes represent a significant escalation in Ukraine’s campaign against Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet—ageing vessels used to circumvent international sanctions on Russian oil exports. The Russian shadow fleet has become a critical lifeline for Moscow’s economy, allowing it to continue selling oil despite Western restrictions following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Over the past 72 hours alone, Ukrainian forces have damaged a total of 19 tanker vessels in the contested waters. The intensified drone campaign reflects Kyiv’s broader strategy to isolate Russian-occupied Crimea and disrupt Moscow’s ability to finance its war effort through energy sales. The strikes in the Azov Sea, a shallow body of water between mainland Russia and Crimea, demonstrate Ukraine’s growing capability to project power deep into Russian-controlled territory using relatively inexpensive unmanned systems. As Western countries maintain their support for Ukrainian sanctions enforcement, the pressure on Russia’s shadow fleet operations continues to mount, with each successful strike potentially costing Moscow significant revenue.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.