Russia reroutes ships from Azov Sea after Ukrainian strikes

Russia is contemplating rerouting ships and potentially restricting traffic in the Azov Sea following a surge in Ukrainian strikes, according to official statements.

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Alternative shipping routes are currently being worked out in collaboration with relevant agencies and the business community.

The Azov Sea, situated between Russia, occupied southern Ukraine, and annexed Crimea, serves as a crucial export route for agricultural products, including grain from occupied Ukrainian territories. It is also vital for supplying Crimea. The Russian agriculture ministry acknowledged that "alternative shipping routes are currently being worked out in collaboration with relevant agencies and the business community." However, it assured that the situation would not impact the domestic market's food supply or the country's export capabilities, stating that "supply logistics will be redirected if necessary."

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The situation in the Azov Sea will not affect the domestic market's food supply or our country's export capabilities.

This move comes as Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone attacks deep into Russian territory. Ukraine's drone force commander claimed responsibility for hitting "116 vessels over the past nine days," including tankers and cargo ships in the Azov Sea. The stated aim is to damage Russia's "shadow fleet" and disrupt fuel supplies to Russian-controlled Crimea. Ukraine's military also reported striking two Russian oil refineries in Bashkortostan and Krasnodar regions overnight, causing fires.

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taking all necessary measures to ensure the smooth operation of freight logistics in light of the increasing number of enemy attacks on the civilian fleet.

The Russian transport ministry affirmed it is "taking all necessary measures to ensure the smooth operation of freight logistics in light of the increasing number of enemy attacks on the civilian fleet." It added that "if necessary," some cargo might be redirected to other transport modes. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed pessimism about an imminent peace in Ukraine, anticipating the conflict could extend at least until winter, based on discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

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116 vessels over the past nine days