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Ukraine's Defense Forces have carried out a new operation in the Sea of Azov, striking dozens of vessels that Russia uses for military logistics and sanctions evasion, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The General Staff said Ukrainian forces hit 21 Russian oil tankers as part of an operation aimed at reducing Russia's military and economic capabilities.
According to the military, the tankers are used to transport crude oil and petroleum products in violation of international sanctions, helping generate revenue to finance Russia's war against Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces also struck four tugboats, two cargo vessels, and one dredger that the Russian military allegedly uses for logistics, cargo transportation, and port infrastructure support.
The extent of the damage and the final results of the operation are still being assessed.
"The Defense Forces of Ukraine will continue to systematically carry out operations aimed at stopping the armed aggression of the Russian Federation," the General Staff said.
Separately, Commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces Robert "Madyar" Brovdi said the force had struck a total of 76 Russian vessels between July 6 and July 11.
He also claimed that the strikes likely halted traffic through the Kerch Strait and that Ukrainian forces attacked 53 military targets in occupied Crimea and southern Russian-occupied territories overnight on July 11, including naval assets and energy infrastructure.
The operation follows another large-scale Ukrainian strike in the Sea of Azov on July 9, when Ukrainian forces reported hitting 12 vessels, an oil terminal, and a Russian ammunition depot. Satellite imagery later appeared to confirm damage to several Russian tankers following the drone attack.
