The Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS) struck nine tankers belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” in the Sea of Azov during an overnight operation on July 8, according to the commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert “Madyar” Brovdi.
Brovdi said that in just the past 72 hours, the SBS has struck a total of 19 shadow fleet tankers, one cargo vessel, and one ferry in the Kerch area, as they intensify attacks on Russian assets to isolate the Crimean peninsula.
Russian Navy Kirov-class Battlecruiser. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The Sea of Azov is a key supply route for Russian forces fighting in Crimea and other occupied parts of southern Ukraine.
Ukraine has stepped up attacks on logistics, bridges, major highways, and energy infrastructure in Crimea in recent weeks, contributing to fuel shortages and prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency in the peninsula, a critical hub for Russia’s war effort.
“Moscow Will Fall,” Brovdi Says
After these latest successful attacks on Russia’s shadow fleet, Brovdi announced the results with a flourish.
“Ready to see the next shadow showdown?” Brovdi wrote in a Telegram post on July 8. “Moscow will fall,” he added.
On July 7, Brovdi said that Ukraine had hit eight Russian shadow fleet tankers and that “the battle for fuel for Crimea in the Sea of Azov continues.”
Russian-installed Crimea Governor Sergey Aksyonov claimed that Russian air defenses had stopped four Ukrainian attacks overnight and into the morning, adding that Russian forces shot down 27 drones. He added that no casualties were reported.
“Striking the enemy’s naval logistics complicates the supply of fuel and ammunition necessary to support the activities of Russian troops, primarily in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea,” the SBS forces said in a statement.
Attacking The Shadow Fleet Is The Latest Tactic To Weaken Russia
Ukraine’s drone strategy in attacking oil and gas industries and now the shadow fleet is Kyiv’s way of grinding down Russia’s war machine.
Ukraine has targeted the Russian shadow fleet to intensify “pressure on sanctions-busting shippers and insurers at a time when Russian oil exports are already under strain,” according to the London-based defense and security think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
Russia employs an aging but vast shadow fleet of tankers, the Russian “shadow fleet”—or “ghost fleet,” which is a clandestine network of hundreds of oil tankers Russia uses to circumvent G7 and European Union price cap sanctions imposed on its energy exports following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
This fleet accounts for up to 75 percent of Russia’s seaborne oil trade, generating billions to fund its war efforts
Western nations have escalated their own tactics against these vessels. Armed forces from the U.K., supported by allies like France, have conducted high-profile operations to board, seize, and detain vessels (such as the Cameroon-flagged Smurtos) suspected of transporting Russian oil outside international sanctions regimes.
“Crimea Will Cease Being a Rear Base for Russia”
“This is about weakening the enemy’s capabilities, essentially striking at their logistics,” said Serhii Kuzan, Chairman of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center (USCC) and a military and political analyst specializing in national security, defense policy, and Russian strategy, in a quote to the Kyiv Independent.
“And our aim is to ensure that Crimea ceases to be a rear base for the entire southern group of Russian forces.”
“The situation in Crimea is escalating. It is deteriorating for both the local population and the occupying military contingent, although things are still easier for the military there.
The military is taking resources and diverting them from the civilian population — and, in effect, diverting them to themselves,” he added.
Russia illegally annexed the Crimea in 2014, but Ukraine is intent on destroying Russia’s ability to use it as a base of operations.
Ukraine’s 40-Day Influence Operation Continuing Its Success
The latest strikes come as Ukraine continues President Zelenskyy’s 40-day strategic influence operation, run by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Initiated in late June, the campaign uses drones and long-range capabilities to systematically target Russian energy infrastructure and military sites, aiming to pressure Moscow into ending the war by degrading its war economy.
Rostov region Governor Yury Slyusar reported that, overnight, two tankers were damaged in an overnight drone attack in the Taganrog Bay, claiming the incident injured two people but caused no oil spill.
According to Slyusar, both tankers were traveling to Rostov-on-Don without cargo, preventing any petroleum leakage. He added that the crew of one vessel was evacuated, while the extent of the damage remains under assessment.
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About the Author: Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
