Key facts
- Ukrainian naval drones struck two Russian shadow fleet tankers, Louise 1 and Banda, in the Black Sea.
- The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the attacks.
- The SBU stated the strikes aim to cut off funding for Russia's war in Ukraine.
- Russia uses its shadow fleet of aging vessels to transport oil and evade sanctions.
- Fires and explosions were reported across occupied Crimea overnight.
- Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian shipping in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
Ukrainian naval drones struck two Russian shadow fleet tankers, the Louise 1 and Banda, in the Black Sea, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). The SBU stated that these strikes are part of a systematic effort to deprive Russia of funds for its war in Ukraine, noting that the shadow fleet transports Russian oil and fills the aggressor state's budget. The agency emphasized that each strike on the shadow fleet directly impacts Russia's ability to continue its aggression.
These attacks come amid a significant escalation in Ukraine's operations against Russian shipping. Reports from Robert "Madyar" Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, detail daily drone strikes on Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov as part of a campaign to disrupt logistics and supply to occupied Crimea. As of July 14, Brovdi reported that Ukrainian drones had attacked 116 vessels in the Sea of Azov. This campaign was extended to the Black Sea on July 15, with 20 vessels reportedly targeted overnight. Fires and explosions were also reported across occupied Crimea, including at the Kerch Railway Station and in the villages of Koktebel and Feodosia, amid overnight drone attacks.