Ukraine has intensified its drone campaign against Russian fuel tankers in the Sea of Azov, striking 35 ships in 96 hours, including 14 vessels on a single day. The attacks aim to disrupt supplies to occupied Crimea, exacerbating fuel shortages across Russia. Cars line up at gas stations in Moscow and other cities as drone strikes on refineries and tankers strain Russia's energy infrastructure.
Ukraine's drone force commander, Robert Brovdi (callsign Magyar), claimed responsibility for the attacks via Telegram, though the reports could not be independently verified. The strikes form part of a broader strategy to cut off supplies to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The Sea of Azov, a shallow inland sea northeast of Crimea, has become a key battleground in the conflict.
Defense experts describe the drone attacks as pivotal in slowing Russian military momentum, though they warn of heightened escalation risks. Ukraine has also targeted high-profile oil refineries in Moscow and St. Petersburg, aiming to reduce Russia's energy revenues. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to strike Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and apartment blocks, with Iranian-supplied drones and missiles.
Russian supply lines in southern Ukraine face severe strain, with reports of rationing, long lines at gas stations, and logistical chaos. Ukrainian strikes have disrupted fuel, ammunition, and food supplies for Russian troops, potentially risking localized collapses in the southern front.