Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russian maritime logistics near the Crimean Peninsula, launching a series of drone strikes targeting Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov. This marks the largest Ukrainian drone operation in the area since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, with Kyiv aiming to disrupt Moscow’s control over Crimea and undermine Russian President Vladimir V. Putin’s ability to defend the strategically important region.

Using an expanding arsenal of long-range drones, Ukrainian forces have focused on targeting various types of Russian ships, including tankers, cargo vessels, and auxiliary boats. Ukrainian military officials claim that dozens of these vessels have been struck in recent days, describing the effort as a systematic attempt to break Russia’s supply chains. Although the exact numbers are difficult to verify, third-party analysts have reviewed military footage and estimate that approximately 30 to 35 Russian vessels were hit between Monday and Thursday of last week alone. Ukraine states it damaged or destroyed 116 ships in the Sea of Azov during the past nine days, but this figure has not been independently confirmed. Russia has acknowledged only limited incidents.

The attacks follow a prior phase of strikes aimed at land infrastructure in and around Crimea, targeting power stations, military facilities, and transportation routes such as roads and railways. These earlier attacks contributed to power outages and fuel shortages within the occupied peninsula, prompting Moscow to increase sea deliveries as a supply alternative. The current phase of targeting Russian vessels represents an effort to counter this adaptation by cutting off maritime routes.

Satellite imagery reviewed by analysts indicated at least one leaking vessel was carrying methanol. Experts suggest that, given the Sea of Azov’s shallow waters, the Russian ships are likely transporting supplies directly to Crimea rather than engaging in large-scale oil exports, which Ukraine also seeks to disrupt. These maritime strikes complement land operations and previous attacks on Russian refineries deep inside Russia that have created gasoline shortages across the country.

The Ukrainian 414th Unmanned Systems Brigade, particularly the 9th Kairos Battalion, has played a central role in planning and executing this three-phase campaign. According to Sergeant Fin, a senior noncommissioned officer in the brigade who spoke under a call sign, the final phase — focusing on maritime targets — commenced last week upon identifying an opportune vulnerability in Russian naval logistics. Ukrainian drone pilots operate from inland bases, navigating approximately 250 miles over hostile territory, including Russian air defenses and electronic warfare zones. To avoid detection, their drones fly close to the water’s surface before striking vessels.

Despite mounting losses and growing exposure of Crimean supplies to Ukrainian attacks, Russia has not signaled any change in its strategy. Kremlin officials have condemned the strikes, with Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov labeling the actions “worse than piracy.” Meanwhile, Russian pro-war commentators have criticized military leadership for failing to safeguard ships operating in the region. One influential blogger compared the situation to a “Strait of Hormuz” scenario, warning that continued Ukrainian control over the Sea of Azov could severely constrain Russian access to Crimea by sea.

Russia has responded to Ukraine’s escalating operations with increased ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv and reiterated its commitment to advance military objectives in eastern Ukraine. As Kyiv pursues a multi-front approach designed to pressure Moscow, the ongoing campaign targeting Crimean infrastructure and maritime supply lines remains a critical element in the effort to shift the course of the conflict.