Ukraine Claims Drones Disabled 300 Russian Shadow Fleet Vessels In Black Sea & Sea of Azov
Ukraine‘s Unmanned Systems Forces said on Tuesday, September 22, that its drones had disabled 300 vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov since July 6. A total of 166 vessels were disabled in the Black Sea and 134 in the Sea of Azov.
The Unmanned Systems Forces used its “Birds” units to disable the vessels, with the goal of stopping them from operating rather than sinking them. This was intended to lower the risk of oil spills. Most of the vessels were tankers carrying fuel or other energy products, with dry bulk carriers also among the targets.
Ukraine said the ships were either supplying Russian-occupied Crimea or carrying Russian exports. The campaign comes after other attacks involving commercial ships and port facilities in the Black Sea.
Operation “MoLoCHKa” Continues
The Unmanned Systems Forces has been operating under the codename “Molochka” since July 6, with a total of 300 vessels disabled as of September 22. The operation has been ongoing for 11 weeks, with Ukrainian drone crews striking and “burning” 21 tankers in the three days before the latest figure was announced.
The forces struck 159 tankers over 12 days at the start of July, followed by 196 vessels by July 22, 218 by August 8, and 282 by September 9. The total reached 300 on September 22.
International Reactions
The campaign has had international repercussions, with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co., the world’s largest container shipping company, stopping accepting new bookings for shipments through Russia’s Novorossiysk port in late August. This move came after MSC Ulsan III was attacked by a drone while sailing towards the Russian port.
Conclusion
The ongoing campaign against Russia’s shadow fleet highlights the increasing tensions between Ukraine and Russia. The use of drones to disable vessels is a new tactic in the region, and its effectiveness remains to be seen. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important to monitor developments and assess their impact on global shipping and maritime trade.
Original Article: Ukraine Claims Drones Disabled 300 Russian Shadow Fleet Vessels In Black Sea & Sea of Azov — Marineinsight