Key facts
- Ukraine claims to have destroyed 14 Russian vessels, including 10 tankers and four ferries, on July 12th.
- The commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces stated that 90 Russian shadow fleet vessels have been destroyed this week.
- Russian tankers are reportedly used to transport oil and circumvent sanctions, funding the war.
- Tugboats, dry cargo vessels, and specialized vessels support Russia's military logistics and infrastructure.
- Traffic through the Kerch Strait reportedly stopped after a prior Ukrainian strike.
Ukraine announced on July 12th that its forces had eliminated 14 additional Russian vessels overnight, continuing its campaign against Moscow's "shadow fleet." Commander Robert "Madyar" Brovdi of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces reported the destruction of 10 tankers and four ferries. This brings the total number of Russian shadow fleet vessels reportedly destroyed this week to 90.
Brovdi noted that a Russian vessel in the Azov Sea was hit approximately every 112 minutes during the past week. The previous day, his unit reportedly halted traffic through the Kerch Strait after striking 21 tankers, four tugboats, two dry cargo vessels, and one specialized vessel.
The Ukrainian General Staff stated that the targeted tankers are utilized for transporting oil and petroleum products, enabling Russia to circumvent international sanctions and fund its military aggression. Additionally, the tugboats, dry cargo vessels, and specialized ships are said to support Russia's military logistics, cargo transport, and port infrastructure.