Ukraine's military has intensified attacks on Russian maritime supply routes near occupied Crimea, with drone force commander Robert Brovdi (Magyar) claiming at least 25 ships hit and set ablaze in the Sea of Azov over the past four days. The losses deal a significant blow to Russia's naval capability and Vladimir Putin's pledge to maintain fuel supplies.

The strikes are part of Ukraine's self-declared 'logistics lockdown' aimed at choking off routes into and out of Crimea. Ukraine's military reports 36 ships hit, most belonging to Russia's 'shadow fleet' of commercial oil tankers, though the exact number remains unconfirmed independently.

Satellite imagery shows a large plume of smoke from a ship off the Crimean coast, with a fire raging since July 6. Around 20 vessels have fled the area toward the Black Sea. Named tankers include Venera-3, Sanar-1, Sanar-17, Klimena, Thetis, Alexey Savrasov, and Penelopa.

Ukraine's general staff released footage of a naval drone attack on the tanker Blue, allegedly near Yalta. The attacks coincide with continued strikes on Russian oil refineries, causing widespread fuel shortages across Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Russian pro-war sources have not disputed the details. The 'Military Informant' Telegram channel complained that the defenseless tankers became a 'shooting gallery' for Ukrainian drones, with the Black Sea Fleet barely able to defend itself. Mikhail Zvinchuk (Rybar) noted the fleet has 'now shut itself in at Novorossiysk.'

Fuel rationing or shortages now affect over 90% of Russian regions, and diesel exports have been banned. In Crimea, Russian-appointed authorities struggle with power and transport disruptions. Ukraine's military has already jeopardized land supply routes to the peninsula and is now targeting sea routes.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk