Eight Russian Ships and an Oil Depot Hit in Overnight Strike by Ukrainian Forces.

Operation of July 16, 2023

According to UATV: In a nighttime operation on July 16, 2023, Ukraine's defense forces struck eight enemy vessels, an oil storage facility, and key bridges used by Russian occupying troops. The attack targeted six Russian tankers and two tugboats operating in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Additionally, the strikes hit an oil depot in Shakhtarsk, located in the temporarily occupied territory of Donetsk region. A road bridge near Prymorsk in the Russian-controlled part of Zaporizhzhia region was also destroyed. Separately, the 'Syvash' railway bridge near Chonhar—situated in the occupied Crimean peninsula—was damaged as well.

Ukrainian forces also carried out a strike on a Russian electronic warfare equipment depot near Novodarivka in Luhansk region. Over the past nine days, Ukrainian troops have hit more than 110 Russian vessels, highlighting their sustained campaign against the aggressor’s naval assets.

Strategic Actions by Ukrainian Forces

This operation is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to degrade Russia’s military capabilities in the Black and Azov Seas. Successful attacks on critical infrastructure—such as bridges and oil depots—can significantly disrupt the occupiers' logistics and resource supply lines. The ongoing activity of Ukrainian forces in these regions underscores their ability to conduct effective operations despite a challenging battlefield environment.