Ukraine strikes 21 more Russian tankers in Sea of Azov
Photo: A Ukrainian soldier operates a drone (Getty Images)
The Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out a new operation in the Sea of Azov, striking dozens of vessels that Russia uses for military logistics and to circumvent sanctions, according to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
According to military sources, 21 Russian tankers were destroyed as part of an operation to reduce Russia’s military and economic capabilities.
Such vessels are used to transport oil and petroleum products in circumvention of international sanctions, providing Russia with funds to finance its war against Ukraine.
In addition, the Ukrainian military struck four tugboats, two dry cargo ships, and a dredger.
The General Staff explains that Russia uses these vessels to support military logistics, transport cargo, and maintain port infrastructure.
The extent of the damage and the final results of the operation are currently being assessed.
"The Ukrainian Defense Forces will continue to systematically carry out measures aimed at stopping the armed aggression of Russia," Ukraine's General Staff concludes.
Ukraine strikes 21 more Russian tankers in Sea of Azov
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) July 11, 2026
: Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Robert Brovdi pic.twitter.com/VQ1fJJHFrI
Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Robert Brovdi, call sign Magyar, specified that between July 6 and 11, the Unmanned Systems Forces had already struck 76 Russian vessels.
He also stated that traffic through the Kerch Strait had likely been halted as a result of the strikes, and that on the night of July 11, the Ukrainian military attacked 53 military targets in occupied Crimea and in the south of the temporarily occupied territories, including the navy and energy infrastructure.
On the night of July 9, the Ukrainian Defense Forces launched a large-scale strike against Russian targets in the Sea of Azov. 12 ships were hit, along with a Russian oil terminal and an ammunition depot.
Subsequently, satellite imagery confirmed that Russian tankers had been damaged following the Ukrainian drone attacks.
