Photo: U.S. Navy
Russia has temporarily suspended navigation through the Azov-Don Canal following a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian vessels, Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The waterway, which connects the Don River with the Sea of Azov, was closed after Ukraine reportedly struck 13 Russian vessels, including 10 oil tankers. According to market analysts, up to a quarter of Russia's wheat exports pass through the Sea of Azov.
One source told Reuters that Russia's border service also informed shipping companies that requests to transit the Kerch Strait, which links the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, would not be accepted starting at 6:10 p.m. local time on July 10. The notice did not specify when navigation would resume.
Russia's key grain-producing regions, including Rostov and Krasnodar, are located along the Sea of Azov, while one of the country's largest Black Sea ports is situated near the Kerch Strait. Russia's Agriculture and Transport ministries did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment.
Concerns over the disruption pushed wheat futures on the Euronext exchange up 4% on July 10, reaching their highest level in six weeks as traders reacted to reports that shipping through the Sea of Azov could be interrupted.
Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes against Russian oil infrastructure and maritime assets in recent weeks, contributing to fuel shortages in parts of Russia. Military officials have also reported repeated attacks on Russian vessels operating in the Sea of Azov. According to Commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, Ukrainian drones struck dozens of Russian tankers, cargo ships, and support vessels over several days of operations.
