Ukraine Intensifies Maritime Campaign Against Russia in Sea of Azov

A Ukrainian drone unit commander has issued a warning regarding a new phase in Kyiv’s maritime campaign against Russia. Strikes over the past two weeks have significantly reduced shipping traffic in the Sea of Azov. Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, disclosed that 20 Russian vessels were hit overnight, bringing the total to 136 Russian-linked ships struck by Ukrainian drones from July 6 to 15.

The Sea of Azov, connecting to the Black Sea via the Kerch Strait, is crucial for Russia’s crude oil exports. Brovdi explained that the current focus of Ukraine’s campaign targets vessels associated with Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’, which conceals connections to Moscow to avoid sanctions imposed due to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

Following attacks on Russian vessels last week, Moscow suspended shipping through the Don-Azov Channel, which connects with the Don River. Retired Australian Army Major General Mick Ryan highlighted the campaign’s execution in heavily defended airspace, indicating a well-coordinated air and sea operation. Ryan noted Ukraine’s innovative approach, using unmanned systems in the absence of a traditional navy fleet in the Black Sea.

Brovdi is a pivotal figure in Ukraine’s war effort, pioneering the use of FPV drones for strikes. He leads the ‘Magyar’s Birds’ unit, specializing in drone warfare.

Further Ukrainian strikes resulted in hits on 17 oil tankers, two gas tankers, and a tugboat overnight, coinciding with the Day of Ukrainian Statehood. Brovdi emphasized a strategy to isolate the Crimean Peninsula by disrupting logistics routes without targeting the Kerch Bridge directly.

Declining maritime traffic in the Sea of Azov has been evidenced by Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. These images revealed a decrease from 132 ships on July 6 to 43 by July 12. Remaining vessels are primarily smaller, such as tugboats. Brovdi remarked on fuel shortages in Crimea due to strikes on energy infrastructure, complicating supply lines for Russian forces.