Ukrainian Drones Hit 28 Russian Vessels in the Sea of Azov Overnight

Strike on Russian Ships in the Sea of Azov

According to ХВИЛЯ: On the night of July 11, Ukraine’s Defense Forces launched an attack on Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov, striking 28 enemy watercraft. The information about this operation was released by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdi. Over the course of a single night, drones recorded 73 successful hits, demonstrating the high effectiveness of the operation.

List of Struck Vessels

Among the targeted watercraft were:

• 21 tankers
• Four tugboats
• Two cargo ships
• One dredger

These strikes were part of an ongoing operation named 'Crimean Switch-off.' Over six days, from July 6 to July 11, the Unmanned Systems Forces hit 76 vessels from the shadow fleet, indicating active Ukrainian operations in the region.

That same night, drones also attacked 53 military targets, including naval assets and energy hubs located in Crimea and the southern part of the temporarily occupied territories. Robert Brovdi stated:

“The shadow oil fleet is visibly thinning; the week of default continues.”

He also emphasized:

“The technological humiliation of the empire continues. It will fall because of Crimea.”

These statements highlight the impact of Ukrainian operations on Russian military resources in the region.

These strikes demonstrate the intensification of Ukrainian efforts against Russian military resources and infrastructure, particularly in the Black Sea region. The 'Crimean Switch-off' operation may signal a new tactic aimed at destroying the enemy’s logistical routes and resources, which in turn affects Russia’s ability to sustain military actions. Such actions may also boost the morale of Ukrainian troops and the public, showcasing successes in the fight against the aggressor.

The recent strikes on Russian vessels highlight a significant escalation in Ukraine's operational strategy. In a related incident, Ukrainian drones successfully targeted and destroyed eight tankers belonging to the shadow fleet, further crippling Russia's maritime capabilities in the region. For more details on this impactful operation, you can read about the destruction of eight tankers in the Sea of Azov.