Luke Harding

Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian maritime and energy infrastructure forced Russia to halt shipping in the Sea of Azov after dozens of vessels, including shadow fleet oil tankers, were hit within days. Attacks targeted tankers, ferries, power stations and an oil refinery in Syzran, disrupting key logistics routes and effectively shutting export pathways through the Kerch and Bosphorus straits. Analysts said the strikes are part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to isolate Crimea, degrade Russian military supply lines and undermine Russia’s ability to sustain operations. The disruption has trapped Russia’s Caspian flotilla, caused fuel shortages, and prompted a state of emergency in Crimea. Kyiv framed the long‑range attacks as retaliatory pressure on Russia’s war efforts, while Russian strikes on Ukrainian regions continued, causing civilian casualties.