Ukraine strikes Russian 'shadow fleet' in Sea of Azov

Ukraine has launched a series of drone attacks on Russian ships in the Sea of Azov, claiming to have hit over 100 vessels in nine days. The campaign targets the Russian 'shadow fleet' used to evade sanctions and supply occupied Crimea.

The attacks, conducted by Ukrainian drone forces under Commander Robert Brovdi, have focused on tankers and cargo ships. Brovdi reported that 116 ships were hit between July 6 and 14, including 19 in a single night Source: infobae. Other sources cite 105 ships in eight days Source: euronewses and a record 28 vessels in one night Source: elconfidencial. The exact numbers cannot be independently verified.

Russia responds

Russia has retaliated by bombing Ukrainian ports, killing at least three in Odessa Source: infobae. Moscow also announced it is seeking alternative shipping routes, as the attacks have forced a halt to traffic through the Kerch Strait Source: CNN. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of 'terrorism' Source: lavanguardia.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) described the attacks as a 'new phase' in isolating Crimea Source: CNN. Lithuania warned of potential Russian attacks on critical infrastructure, but did not specify targets Source: infobae.