Eight Russian Tankers Hit in the Sea of Azov: Ukraine’s Drone Forces Strike Again.

Overnight Assault on Russian Ships in the Sea of Azov

According to UATV: On the night of July 7, 2023, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces struck eight Russian fleet tankers in the Sea of Azov. Each of these vessels, built between 2006 and 2012, has a carrying capacity of 7,000 tons and measures 140 meters in length. All were transporting fuel and are subject to international sanctions.

During the same operation, Ukrainian drones also targeted a Russian dry cargo ship and a ferry. This attack came amid an escalation of hostilities, following a wave of strikes on the night of July 6, when Ukrainian forces hit 47 military assets in Crimea and Russia. Among the targets were:

• two fuel tankers
• an oil depot in Kerch
• two S-400 'Triumf' air defense systems
• a 'Nebo-U' radar station

Robert 'Madyar' Brovdy commented: 'The battle for gasoline for Crimea in the Sea of Azov continues.'

This attack highlights the growing importance of drone technology in Ukraine’s military operations, while also signaling the ongoing struggle for control over resources in the Sea of Azov. Given the international sanctions imposed on Russia, hitting fuel-carrying tankers could significantly disrupt logistics and supply lines for Russian forces in the region. Such actions may be part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to increase pressure on the adversary and limit its ability to sustain combat operations.