Ukraine Strikes Russian Ships Near Crimea as Attacks on Fuel Supplies Intensify

Ukraine has expanded its military campaign against Russian supply routes by targeting ships near occupied Crimea, escalating efforts to disrupt fuel deliveries and logistics networks supporting Moscow’s control of the peninsula.

The latest strikes focus on maritime routes in the Sea of Azov, following previous Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s land connections to Crimea. Kyiv says the operations are part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening Russia’s ability to maintain supplies to occupied territories.

Ukrainian Drones Target Maritime Supply Routes

Ukraine’s drone force commander Robert Brovdi, also known by the callsign Magyar, said at least 25 ships have been damaged or set on fire over four days in the Sea of Azov.

Ukraine’s military has claimed that up to 36 ships have been hit, with many believed to be linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of commercial oil tankers used to transport energy supplies.

The exact number of affected vessels remains unclear, as some ships may have been targeted more than once and several incidents have not been independently verified.

Crimea’s Fuel Supply Network Under Pressure

The attacks appear to be part of Ukraine’s self-described “logistics lockdown” campaign, designed to restrict supply routes into and out of Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

The Kerch port area, located on the peninsula, has become a major focus because of its role in oil transportation.

Satellite imagery analysed by BBC Verify reportedly showed a decline in the number of tankers near the area after previous Ukrainian strikes on the port.

Ukrainian officials say some of the targeted vessels were carrying thousands of tonnes of fuel destined for Crimea.

Russian Officials Confirm Some Attacks

Russia’s Rostov regional governor Yuri Slyusar confirmed that two empty tankers were attacked in Taganrog Bay, with fires continuing after the strikes.

Ukraine also released footage claiming to show a naval drone attack on a sanctioned tanker near occupied Crimea.

The location of the strike could not be independently confirmed, but Ukrainian officials said the attack occurred near Yalta.

Wider Campaign Against Russian Energy Infrastructure

The maritime strikes come alongside continued Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil facilities.

Ukraine has targeted several oil refineries and storage sites, with reports of fuel shortages emerging in parts of Russia, including major cities.

Additional attacks were reported at oil facilities in regions including Tver, Stavropol and Rostov.

The disruption has increased pressure on Russia’s energy supply system as Moscow faces challenges maintaining fuel availability.

Impact on Russia’s Military Logistics

The recent attacks represent one of Ukraine’s most significant efforts to target Russian maritime logistics since the beginning of the war.

Pro-war Russian commentators have criticised the security measures around the vessels, arguing that commercial tankers have become vulnerable targets for Ukrainian drone operators.

Some analysts say Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has increasingly limited its operations and moved defensive assets away from exposed areas.

Growing Pressure Ahead of Further Negotiations

US President Donald Trump described Ukraine’s drone strategy as an escalation during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit in Ankara.

However, Trump also suggested the escalation could contribute to efforts to end the conflict.

The strikes come as Russia continues to deal with fuel challenges, with reports of shortages and restrictions affecting multiple regions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin previously said Crimea required around 70,000 tonnes of fuel each month and pledged to increase deliveries by land and sea.

Ukraine’s latest attacks indicate that Kyiv is now attempting to disrupt both routes supplying Crimea, increasing pressure on Russia’s ability to maintain operations in the occupied territory.