Robert Brovdi reports that Ukraine’s unmanned systems have struck 13 additional vessels in the Black and Azov Seas during Operation Molochka.
Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s unmanned systems forces, confirmed that 13 additional vessels associated with Russia’s shadow fleet were struck in the Black and Azov Seas on July 18. This latest strike brings the total number of vessels hit during the 13-day Operation “Molochka” to 172. The operation specifically targets Russia’s feeder fleet to paralyze maritime logistics used to bypass international sanctions. The relentless drone strikes have forced Russia to suspend traffic through key chokepoints in the Sea of Azov, including the Don-Azov Channel and the Kerch Strait. While Russia has characterized these strikes as "terrorism," Ukraine maintains that the campaign targets legitimate military assets to isolate occupied Crimea. The operation aims to disable vessels without causing environmental damage, effectively turning self-propelled ships into drifting barges. These maritime disruptions threaten to impact global markets, as the Sea of Azov is a primary route for Russian grain exports. If the blockade persists, Russia faces significant economic losses, as the waterway is essential for transporting wheat and oil to the global market.