Ukrainian forces have sunk at least 105 Russian ships in the Sea of Azov over the past eight days, as part of an intensified effort to isolate Moscow‑occupied Crimea.
According to Ukraine’s General Staff and USF Commander Major Robert “Magyar” Brovdi, his forces sank 10 vessels in a single night, including ferries and tankers used by Russia to move oil and petroleum products and evade sanctions.
Brovdi wrote on Telegram that the peninsula’s transshipment infrastructure is being hit nightly, traffic through the strait has halted, and cargo unloading has been reduced to a minimum.
The ISW reported that Ukrainian forces escalated vessel strikes in the Azov Sea starting last Monday, aiming to prevent Russia from adapting to Ukraine’s attacks on land‑based logistics between Russia and occupied Crimea, which have triggered severe gasoline shortages.
The ISW said the recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian seaborne gasoline transports mark a new phase in Kyiv’s campaign to isolate occupied Crimea from the Russian logistics network and disrupt maritime routes for petroleum products and grain.
The Azov Sea separates Russia from Ukraine’s southern coast, which has been under Moscow’s control since 2022, and the annexed territory of Crimea.
It serves as a vital export corridor for Russia to supply occupied Crimea and to ship agricultural goods, including grain seized from Ukrainian territories.
Ukraine’s successful long‑ and medium‑range strike campaigns have sparked panic and outrage among Kremlin‑aligned media outlets.
Moscow‑run milbloggers are questioning Russia’s allegedly inadequate air‑defence capabilities and the Kremlin’s poor decision‑making, which have left Russia and occupied Ukraine exposed to Ukrainian strikes.
A prominent Russian milblogger on Sunday attributed the crisis to Moscow officials’ blatant carelessness and warned that the Kremlin will be unable to quickly resolve the problems.
Analysts note that Russia is struggling to shield its tankers in the Azov Sea from Ukrainian drones, largely because of the absence of a unified maritime protection system.
The ISW assessed Kyiv’s Azov strategy, stating that Russia’s failure to adapt its air‑defence systems to the rapidly evolving drone warfare of recent years is inconsistent with the broader offence‑defence dynamics of both sides’ strike campaigns.
No Viable Supply Path to Crimea
Ukraine’s successful long‑ and medium‑range strike campaigns have sparked panic and outrage among Kremlin‑aligned media outlets.
Moscow‑run milbloggers are questioning Russia’s allegedly inadequate air‑defence capabilities and the Kremlin’s poor decision‑making, which have left Russia and occupied Ukraine exposed to Ukrainian strikes.
A prominent Russian milblogger on Sunday attributed the crisis to Moscow officials’ blatant carelessness and warned that the Kremlin will be unable to quickly resolve the problems.
Analysts note that Russia is struggling to shield its tankers in the Azov Sea from Ukrainian drones, largely because of the absence of a unified maritime protection system.
The ISW assessed Kyiv’s Azov strategy, stating that Russia’s failure to adapt its air‑defence systems to the rapidly evolving drone warfare of recent years is inconsistent with the broader offence‑defence dynamics of both sides’ strike campaigns.
Moscow Considering Redirecting Azov‑Sea Shipping
Russia announced on Tuesday that it is seeking alternative shipping routes and may limit traffic in the Azov Sea amid intensifying Ukrainian strikes.
The agriculture ministry said alternative routes are being developed in cooperation with relevant agencies and the business community.
It insisted that exports will continue.
The ministry said the Azov Sea situation will not affect domestic food supplies or the country’s export capabilities.
The transport ministry added that it is taking all necessary measures to ensure smooth freight logistics amid rising attacks.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Kremlin is working to halt the attacks.
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