Black Sea Becomes Graveyard for Russian Ships Amid Ukrainian Drone Offensive

Ukraine has intensified its drone attacks against Russian vessels in the Black and Azov Seas, operating under a campaign dubbed Operation "Moločka." This operation's name is an acronym for a Ukrainian phrase translating to "Moscow will fall because of Crimea, amen."

The escalating attacks have begun to impact Russian maritime traffic, prompting Russia to restrict navigation in the Azov Sea. This restriction affects grain exports, which are often routed through the Don Canal. Ukrainian sources assert that their drones have targeted 136 vessels in the two seas during the first half of July.

According to Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukrainian drone units leading the operation, 20 Russian ships were destroyed in the Black Sea on a single Wednesday night. Russian authorities have acknowledged the security concerns, with the Ministry of Agriculture stating that grain and other product exports may need to be rerouted. A quarter of Russia's wheat exports typically pass through the Azov Sea.

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They stand in the sea like targets in a firing range. In a few days, there won't be a single undamaged ship left in the Azov Sea, only damaged ones.

Commanders involved in the Ukrainian operation claim that Russian ships are increasingly vulnerable. One commander told Reuters, "They stand in the sea like targets in a firing range. In a few days, there won't be a single undamaged ship left in the Azov Sea, only damaged ones."

In response to the Ukrainian strikes, Russia has conducted intensified air raids, particularly targeting Odesa and the Black Sea port of Chornomorsk. The governor of Odesa Oblast, Oleh Kiper, reported that heavy attacks have been ongoing for five consecutive days. Ukraine's use of naval drones follows previous successes in targeting Russian refineries and logistics routes on land, which Ukrainian sources claim have hampered Russian supply lines to occupied territories.

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Now it's the Black Sea's turn.