Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Ships in the Sea of Azov and Targets in Crimea Overnight.

Strike on Russian Vessels in the Sea of Azov

According to UATV: On the night of July 13, 2023, Ukraine’s defense forces launched an attack on Russian ships operating in the Sea of Azov and on facilities in occupied Crimea. The operation resulted in the destruction of seven oil tankers, five cargo ships, two tugboats, and one ferry. The tankers targeted had been used to transport Russian oil in violation of international sanctions.

In addition, the attack hit a 'Nebo-U' radar station and an S-400 missile launcher near Kerch. There are also reports of damage to two crude oil processing units at the Syzran Oil Refinery in Russia’s Samara region.

Shifts in Maritime Traffic

Notably, on June 30, 2023, the Sea of Azov recorded 267 vessels with active AIS transponders. By July 11, that number had dropped to 120. These figures indicate significant changes in regional shipping patterns amid recent military operations.

This attack on Russian ships in the Sea of Azov is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to increase pressure on occupying forces and disrupt their supply lines. The destruction of oil tankers used for sanctions-busting crude exports could weaken Russia’s economic foothold in the area. The sharp decline in ships broadcasting their positions suggests that the waters are becoming increasingly hazardous for civilian navigation, potentially leading to further shifts in trade routes and economic dynamics among the countries involved in the conflict.