Seven Russian Shadow Fleet Vessels and Six Air Defense Units Hit by Ukrainian Drones in Single Night

Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces Strike Crimea and Beyond

According to ХВИЛЯ: On July 20, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) launched coordinated attacks targeting Crimea, temporarily occupied territories, and mainland Russia. Over the course of one night, drones successfully struck seven shadow fleet ships, seven electrical substations, and six air defense components. USF Commander Robert Brovdi (call sign "Madjar") disclosed the operational outcomes via his Telegram channel.

Naval Campaign Results

As part of the naval operation codenamed "MoLoChKa," seven Russian vessels were hit-three oil tankers and four cargo ships operating in the Black and Azov Seas. Under the "Crimean Switch Off" initiative, seven power distribution hubs were destroyed, including electrical substations in Yalta, Morske, Pryvitne, Luchyste, and other settlements. Additionally, six air defense assets were eliminated in the Russian cities of Yeysk, Prymorsko-Akhtarsk, and Kamyshevatskoye.

Targeted systems included Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile launchers, as well as Nebo-SV (two units), Nebo-U, Kasta 2E2, and Gamma S1M radar complexes. The cumulative tally from July 1 to July 20 for the MoLoChKa operation alone stands at:

• 183 shadow fleet vessels (119 in the Azov Sea and 64 in the Black Sea);
• 103 power nodes destroyed under the Crimean Switch Off campaign;
• 25 air defense elements neutralized as part of the "PPOpad" operation.

Notably, three out of five ferries servicing the Kerch Strait crossing have been destroyed, while the remaining two have lost self-propulsion and now operate as barges towed by tugboats. According to Robert Brovdi:

Three of the five ferries are destroyed; two have lost self-propulsion and move like barges pulled by tugs. - Robert Brovdi (Madjar)

He also added:

We will stand firm. Moscow will fall. Crimea will be restored and rebuilt. - Robert Brovdi (Madjar)

The strikes were carried out by the 414th, 413th, 412th, and 427th units, 20 brigades, and one USF center.

These attacks are part of Ukraine's broader strategy to disrupt enemy supply lines and degrade Russian military capabilities in the region. The operations executed by the Unmanned Systems Forces highlight Ukraine's intensifying campaign in Crimea and its growing effectiveness with modern drone technology. Such strikes could significantly alter the conflict's trajectory, particularly given Russia's reliance on energy infrastructure and maritime transport.

In light of recent developments, the Ukrainian forces have intensified their offensive against maritime targets, which includes a significant strike on eight tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet transporting fuel to Crimea. This escalation highlights the ongoing strategic efforts to disrupt supply lines and weaken Russian military capabilities in the region. For more details on this targeted operation, read about the recent attacks on Russian tankers.