Ukraine Claims Scores Of Russian Ships Struck In Sea Of Azov

Summary

Ukraine claims to have struck 28 Russian ships using aerial drones in the Sea of Azov on Saturday, as part of an ongoing campaign that has reportedly targeted nearly 80 Russian vessels since July 6, the majority of which are shadow fleet oil tankers. The sustained attacks have forced Russia to temporarily suspend shipping through the Don-Azov Channel and halt new vessel transit applications through the Kerch Strait, significantly disrupting a critical waterway. The economic consequences are substantial, as approximately 25% of Russia's wheat exports — from the world's largest wheat-exporting nation — pass through the Sea of Azov, with Euronext wheat futures already rising 4% in response. The campaign is being spearheaded by Ukraine's elite 414th Separate Unmanned Strike Aviation System Brigade, known as "Magyar's Birds," which has also simultaneously targeted military infrastructure in Crimea, including S-400 air defense systems, radars, and oil depots under an operation called "Crimean Switch Off." These efforts are part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to isolate Crimea, degrade Russia's energy infrastructure, disrupt fuel supplies, and ultimately weaken Russia's capacity to sustain its war effort.