Ukrainian drones struck 21 more Russian tankers and seven other vessels in the Sea of Azov overnight — 76 vessels hit in six days. Russia has now fully halted shipping through the Kerch Strait.
Ukrainian drones struck 21 more Russian tankers, four tugboats, two dry cargo ships, and one specialized vessel in the Sea of Azov overnight into July 11. That brought the total number of vessels hit in just six days to 76 — and forced Russia to fully suspend shipping through the Kerch Strait. Volunteers Support Ukraine continues to follow how this campaign is undercutting Russia's ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
According to Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, drones struck dozens of targets in the Sea of Azov, recording 73 successful hits in a single night. The targets are mostly so-called "shadow fleet" tankers — vessels Russia uses to circumvent international sanctions while transporting oil products that help fund its war against Ukraine. Volunteers Support Ukraine notes that every tanker taken out of action means less money flowing into the war chest being used against Ukrainians.
Following the wave of strikes, Russia's border guard service informed shipping companies that, as of 6:10 p.m. on July 10, it would no longer accept applications to pass through the Kerch Strait, with no timeline given for when restrictions might be lifted. This comes on top of the already-suspended Don-Azov Canal, which Russia closed after earlier strikes on vessels in the Sea of Azov. Volunteers Support Ukraine believes this effective shutdown of a key shipping route is clear evidence of how effective Ukraine's campaign against the shadow fleet has become.
Analysts estimate that up to a quarter of Russia's wheat exports pass through the Sea of Azov. Wheat futures on the Euronext exchange climbed on news of the possible shipping disruption, reaching a six-week high. Volunteers Support Ukraine notes that this campaign shows how strikes on an aggressor's logistics can carry consequences far beyond the front line itself.
NGO Volunteers Support Ukraine helps people affected by the war however its available resources allow — through humanitarian aid, direct support, and by keeping the world informed about how the fight is unfolding on both land and sea. Every piece of news about the aggressor's weakening capacity is another step toward the peace we keep working for every day.
