Ukraine Targets 11 Russian Ships in Sea of Azov as Total Hits Reach 116
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · Jul 14
Ukraine Targets 11 Russian Ships in Sea of Azov as Total Hits Reach 116
3 articles · Updated · DW (English) · Jul 14
Summary
Eleven Russian vessels — five tankers, five cargo ships and one tugboat — were targeted overnight in the Sea of Azov, according to Ukraine's drone forces commander.
Kyiv said the strikes aim to damage Russia's "shadow fleet" and curb fuel supplies to Moscow-controlled Crimea, extending a broader campaign against Russian shipping and energy infrastructure.
Shipping in the area remained restricted on Tuesday, Reuters reported, while Ukraine says it has struck 116 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov over the past nine days.
Russia's Agriculture Ministry said it is working on alternative routes for grain exports from the Sea of Azov, while insisting domestic food supply and export capacity will be maintained.
Is Russia's sanctions-busting 'shadow fleet' sailing towards an environmental disaster?
How is Ukraine's drone strategy rewriting the rules of modern naval warfare?
With drone strikes hitting home, can Russian public pressure alter the war's course?
90 Russian Ships Struck: Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Transforms Sea of Azov Conflict and Global Trade (July 2026)
Overview
In July 2026, Ukraine launched a concentrated drone strike campaign against Russian maritime assets in the Sea of Azov, marking a sharp escalation in hostilities. Over one week, Ukrainian unmanned systems struck 90 Russian vessels, causing immediate operational disruptions and challenging Russia’s control of the region. This campaign aimed to achieve comprehensive sea denial, severely disrupting Russian naval and logistical operations. Ukraine’s effective use of advanced drones demonstrated a new way to contest maritime dominance, forcing Russia to respond with significant countermeasures and highlighting the growing impact of unmanned systems on modern naval warfare.