Ukraine’s Drone Strikes Force Russia to Suspend Shipping in Sea of Azov
Russia has been forced to suspend shipping in the Sea of Azov after 90 vessels were targeted by Ukrainian drones in less than a week. The move comes as Ukraine continues to disrupt Russian supply lines, including oil refineries and maritime logistics.
The attacks have had a significant impact on Russia‘s ability to transport goods, with many vessels being forced to divert their routes or remain idle. The Sea of Azov is a vital waterway that connects Russia with eastern Europe, making it a crucial economic and military route for Moscow.
Ukraine’s Drone Forces Chief Details Strikes
Ukraine‘s drone forces chief, Robert Brovdi, said on Sunday that his units had hit 10 tankers and four ferries overnight, as well as a major oil refinery in the city of Syzran. There had been several strikes on electricity substations in occupied Crimea, he added.
“The technological humiliation of the [Russian] empire continues,” Brovdi wrote on social media. “It will fall because of Crimea.” He said Moscow’s shadow fleet, which transports sanctioned oil products around the world, was “noticeably shrinking” and could no longer use the Kerch strait, connecting the Sea of Azov with the Black Sea.
Russia Suspends Shipping Through Don–Azov Canal
Russia suspended shipping through the Don–Azov canal on Friday, Reuters reported. The canal connects with a Russian river network and the Caspian Sea, making it an important export route for Moscow.
The move is seen as a significant blow to Russia‘s ability to transport goods, particularly oil and grain. Ukraine‘s former defense minister, Andriy Zagorodnyuk, said the Kremlin had lost control of a “critical” maritime corridor.
“The Caspian Sea doesn’t have any connection to the world’s oceans,” Zagorodnyuk said. “It has turned into a lake. All of its products – agricultural, fertilizer, whatever – go through this channel and river.”
Ukraine Continues to Disrupt Russian Supply Lines
Ukraine has been systematically destroying much of Russia‘s radar and anti-aircraft defenses, enabling it to carry out a series of devastating long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries.
Residents in Syzran reported the sound of drones at 5am on Sunday followed by loud explosions. Photographs and videos showed a large fire at the oil refinery, with thick columns of black smoke rising above an industrial area.
The complex supplies the Russian military and sends fuel abroad via the Azov-Kerch canal. Kyiv has also launched a wave of mid-range strikes on land and sea supply routes into occupied Crimea, hitting lorries, ships, and crossing points.
Experts Analyze Ukraine’s Strategy
Yevgeniya Gaber, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council thinktank, said the attacks were part of a much broader strategy that included isolating Crimea and “turning it into an island“.
“The overall goal is to progressively degrade Russia‘s ability to sustain offensive operations by disrupting logistics, fuel supplies, and transport infrastructure, and cutting off military units in the south of Ukraine,” she said.
Gaber added: “There is not a single oil refinery that is unhit now. Maritime logistics in the Sea of Azov, all of this fits into the same strategy and operational concept, which is a strategic neutralization of Russia. I’m sure we will see more deep strikes on Russian territory.”
Original Article: Ukrainian drone strikes force Russia to suspend shipping in Sea of Azov — The Guardian