Ukraine Claims Attack On 14 More Russian Ships In The Sea Of Azov

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces claims to have attacked another 14 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov, exerting pressure on the ships supplying Russian-occupied Crimea.

The 414th Unmanned Strike Aviation Brigade, known as Magyar’s Birds, said on 9 July that 12 tankers, a dry cargo ship and a tug were hit overnight and also gave details of some of the 35 ships targeted this week.

One of the ships that came under attack was the tanker Chelsea 6, built in 2008 and operating as a Palau-flagged general cargo vessel.

Its last reported location was the southern Black Sea 5 days ago.

Other ships Ukraine claimed to have struck were Aura, Mercury, Galiasgar Kamal, Venus III, Penelope, tugboat Alfo and Ilya Repin.

Many vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov turn off their transponders for security reasons.

According to a report from maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, Yasa Polaris, a Turkish-flagged tanker vessel was also hit by Ukraine on 7 July while it was sailing towards the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal off Novorossiysk.

The ship built in 2022 is chartered by Chevron, and fortunately no injuries, or pollution were reported in the attack.

Ukraine’s reports were accompanied with drone footage of the ship attacks, showing the drones targeting the upper decks of the vessels and at least two showing the drones targeting the bridge.

Security Intelligence firm Ambrey said that the drone strikes highlight the approach taken by Russia and increase the risk of seafarer casualties.

The firm also said there was a possibility of Russian retaliatory attacks, adding that it takes Moscow at least 4-5 days to respond in such situations.

Ambrey also said that ships waiting to cross at the Sulina Anchorage, including those bound for Ukrainian Danube or Black Sea seaports can become a target of Russian attack in the coming days.