Ukraine launches drone attacks on 20 Russian vessels !

Russia halts vessel traffic through the Don–Azov Canal and the Kerch Strait
(A strait is a waterway connecting two larger bodies of water.)

Kyiv / Moscow (Russia) – The maritime conflict between Russia and Ukraine has intensified. On the night of 15 July, Ukraine launched drone attacks on 20 vessels belonging to Russia’s “shadow fleet” near Crimea. The targeted vessels included 17 oil tankers, 2 gas carriers and 1 tugboat. Following the attacks, Russia imposed restrictions on vessel movements in the Sea of Azov.

Russia described the action as a “terrorist attack”. It has also imposed restrictions on vessel movements in the Sea of Azov.

Russian attacks on Ukraine continue for the fifth consecutive day

Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukraine continued for the fifth consecutive day. Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Odesa and nearby areas. A missile struck a seven-storey residential building in Odesa, killing three people.

Battle for control of maritime routes

After the fighting on land slowed to some extent, both countries turned the sea into a new battleground. Russia is attacking Ukrainian ports in an attempt to disrupt grain exports and military supplies, while Ukraine is targeting Russian oil, gas and cargo vessels.

A Ukrainian drone commander claimed that 116 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov had been targeted over the past nine days. Following the continued attacks, Russia has reportedly suspended vessel traffic through the Don–Azov Canal and the Kerch Strait. It is being said that these maritime tensions could affect Russia’s exports of oil, wheat and agricultural products. Approximately 25% of Russia’s wheat exports pass through the Sea of Azov.

Tensions also rise in the Strait of Hormuz

Tensions have also escalated in West Asia. US President Donald Trump warned that Iran’s power plants would be destroyed if an agreement was not reached.

The United States imposed a blockade around the Strait of Hormuz and carried out attacks at several locations within seven hours on 15 July. Seven Iranian soldiers were killed and 260 people were injured in the attacks.

In response, Iran threatened to halt oil and gas exports and also launched several missiles and drones towards Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. As a result, tensions have also increased in the Strait of Hormuz.