Ukraine Sinks 12 More Tankers, Hits 30 Vessels in 4 Days to Strangle Russia’s Azov Sea Fuel Route
Ukraine is widening its naval campaign to choke off Russia’s fuel supply, sinking 12 more shadow fleet tankers in the Azov Sea and bringing the total number of vessels targeted to 35 in just four days.
Ukraine has hit 12 more shadow fleet riverine tankers, a cargo ship, and a tug in its expanding campaign against Russia’s Azov Sea fuel supply, bringing the total number of vessels targeted to 35 in just four days [192550]. The strikes aim to disrupt Moscow’s ability to transport fuel and supplies to support its military operations in the region [192550].
The attacks are part of a broader strategy to isolate occupied Crimea. After destroying roads and bridges to the peninsula, Ukraine has escalated attacks on ships carrying fuel, hitting over 30 tankers in recent days with drones [192121]. The vessels have little ability to defend themselves, according to military experts [192121]. A leading think tank, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), reported that Ukraine is rapidly adapting its tactics by targeting Russian seaborne fuel shipments, effectively opening a new phase in the isolation of occupied Crimea [192538]. The strikes demonstrate Kyiv’s ability to shift focus after land routes to the peninsula were degraded [192538].
The campaign has also struck Russian naval vessels near Crimea, escalating efforts to cut off fuel supplies and disrupt routes into and out of the occupied peninsula [192236]. These attacks are the latest phase of Kyiv's strategy to choke off military logistics and isolate Russian forces in the region [192236].