Russia has suspended shipping in the Sea of Azov following an intense week-long campaign of Ukrainian drone strikes that targeted 90 vessels. The maritime disruption includes the closure of the Kerch Strait, which links the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea, and the Don-Azov Canal, a vital waterway connecting the Don River to the sea. These routes are essential for Russian grain exports and the transport of fuel and supplies to occupied territories, including Crimea.
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, led by commander Robert Brovdi, reported that their units struck a variety of targets between July 6 and July 12, including oil tankers, tugboats, ferries, and dry cargo ships. Ukrainian officials state that the campaign is designed to disrupt Russian logistics and fuel transportation, which they argue supports Moscow’s military operations in occupied regions. The strikes have reportedly hit an average of one vessel every 112 minutes during the peak of the operation.
Russian regional authorities have confirmed incidents in the area, though they have disputed the scale of the damage reported by Kyiv. Rostov region governor Yuri Slyusar noted that while drones targeted vessels in the Don-Azov Canal and Taganrog Bay, some fires were localized and no major spills occurred. Despite these official Russian accounts, the suspension of shipping has already triggered a spike in global wheat prices as traders react to the potential for prolonged supply chain bottlenecks.
The Sea of Azov has become a critical theater for both sides, serving as a primary supply line for Russian forces occupying southern Ukraine. By targeting the so-called shadow fleet—tankers often used to bypass international sanctions—Ukraine aims to degrade Russia’s ability to fund and sustain its war effort. As the blockade continues, the impact on regional energy supplies and global agricultural markets remains a significant concern for international observers.