Robert Brovdi reports that Ukrainian drone strikes have forced Russia to suspend traffic through the Sea of Azov.
Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s drone forces, reported that Kyiv has struck 116 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov over the past nine days. These relentless drone attacks have forced Russia to suspend traffic through the waterway by shutting down the Don-Azov Channel and the Kerch Strait. The Sea of Azov is a vital economic artery for Russia, serving as a primary link for transporting oil, grain, and steel to the global market. Because Russia is the world’s largest grain exporter, the blockade threatens to cause billions of dollars in economic losses, as the sea handles approximately one-quarter of Russia's wheat exports. While Russia claims it can reroute exports through other Black Sea terminals, analysts suggest this will be difficult during peak seasons. The Ukrainian campaign aims to isolate occupied Crimea and disrupt Russian logistics. Meanwhile, the conflict continues to take a toll on civilians, with the United Nations reporting hundreds of casualties in June as Russia targets both military infrastructure and urban centers.