Russia Deploys Soldiers to Guard Oil Tankers: What the Navy Is Preparing For.

Moscow's Strategy in the Black Sea

According to UATV: Russian forces are planning to assign military personnel to protect oil tankers and gas carriers operating in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. This initiative involves operators from the 'Rubicon' drone center, the 51st Air Defense Division, and the 1096th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment of Russia's Black Sea Fleet. According to the plan, each tanker will be guarded by up to three servicemen.

Weaponry and Ukrainian Countermeasures

The assigned guards will be equipped with twin machine guns, portable surface-to-air missile systems, and anti-aircraft drones. These measures come amid intensified Ukrainian operations. Over the past ten days, Ukraine's Defense Forces have imposed 'physical sanctions' on more than 136 Russian tankers. On the night of July 15, the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck 20 tankers in the Black Sea, highlighting growing regional tensions and Ukraine's active efforts to counter Russian aggression.

These developments underscore the strategic importance of maritime routes for both sides in the conflict and the critical need to ensure safe navigation in the Black and Azov Seas. While Russia seeks to bolster the protection of its vessels, Ukrainian forces continue their aggressive operations, signaling an escalation in the conflict and intensifying competition for control over key sea lanes.