Ukraine Strikes 136 Russian Ships in 10 Days as Black Sea Drone Campaign Expands

Ukraine has significantly escalated its naval operations against Russian logistics, striking 136 vessels over a 10-day period as the drone campaign expands into the Black Sea.

The overnight assault on July 15 alone targeted 20 Russian shadow fleet vessels, including 17 oil tankers, two gas tankers, and a tugboat.

The recent shift to the Black Sea marks a new phase in an accelerating blockade of the occupied Crimean Peninsula.

Kyiv is utilizing advanced long-range drones to disrupt Moscow's supply lines and pressure the Kremlin to halt hostilities.

Phased Logistics Disruption

The maritime operations follow an extensive targeting of power stations, fuel depots, and railway networks connecting Russia to Crimea.

These prior strikes caused substantial fuel shortages and power outages across the peninsula.

In response to the inland disruptions, Moscow pivoted to maritime deliveries across the Sea of Azov.

Ukrainian commanders anticipated this logistical shift and initiated a coordinated offensive against the vulnerable supply vessels.

The Ukrainian military stated the operational objective is to “systematically disrupt the enemy’s logistics chain.”

Operations initially focused on land routes before transitioning to large stockpiles, according to Sergeant Fin of the 414th Unmanned Systems Brigade's 9th Kairos Battalion.

The third phase recently shifted to maritime lanes after Russian vessels became exposed.

Tactical Execution

The campaign began on July 6 in the Sea of Azov, representing the largest offensive in those waters since 2022.

By Wednesday, military officials confirmed the Azov phase had concluded, and operations were pivoting to the neighboring Black Sea.

Ukrainian operators navigate the drones approximately 250 miles through dense Russian electronic warfare and air defense networks.

The unmanned systems fly just above the waterline to minimize radar detection before striking their targets.

Maritime intelligence indicates the targeted vessels were likely transporting supplies to Crimea rather than facilitating international oil exports.

Satellite imagery confirmed the leakage of fluids from damaged ships, while Russian officials acknowledged that at least one vessel carried methanol.