In One Night, SBU Strikes 12 Vessels and 9 Power Units in Crimea: Operation Ongoing.

Operation 'Crimean Switch-Off'

According to Espreso.tv: SBU Commander Robert Brovdi confirmed strikes on vessels and energy infrastructure in Crimea, while also stating that the operation against Russia's shadow fleet continues. The operation, dubbed 'Crimean Switch-Off,' took place on the night of July 12–13, during which the following targets were hit:

• 7 tankers
• 5 dry cargo ships
• 1 ferry
• 2 tugboats

In total, over the past 24 hours, the SBU's 'Birds' unit engaged 1,725 targets.

Destruction of Power Units and Air Defenses

Additionally, as part of this operation, nine power substations and a strategic electricity transfer point were destroyed. Four air defense assets were also struck, including an S-400 'Triumf' launcher, a 'Tor' missile system, and two radar stations. The campaign against Russia's shadow fleet has been underway since July 6, and by July 11, 76 vessels had been hit—28 of them in a single night.

Robert Brovdi noted that 'the peninsula's transshipment infrastructure is being hit every night' and confirmed that 'traffic through the Kerch Strait appears to have been halted.'

Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing its 21st sanctions package against Russia. The new measures will primarily target the shadow fleet, financial institutions, and companies involved in stolen Ukrainian grain.

Russia's shadow fleet consists of a network of old, uninsured tankers used to export goods while evading sanctions. This underscores the importance of continued active measures by Ukrainian forces to destroy the resources that sustain Russian aggression.

This operation highlights Ukraine's proactive efforts to counter Russian aggression in the Black Sea and in Crimea. Strikes on vessels and energy infrastructure aim to disrupt the logistics chains supporting Russia's military operations. The upcoming EU sanctions package could also significantly impact the financing and functioning of the shadow fleet, emphasizing the need for continued international support in this context.