Ukraine expands naval operation against Russia’s merchant fleet into the Black Sea

Commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert “Madyar” Brovdi, said Ukrainian forces have launched a new phase of Operation “MoLoChKa”, extending it into the Black Sea. According to him, Ukrainian unmanned systems struck 20 Russian vessels during the night of July 15.

Brovdi said the targets included 17 crude oil tankers, two gas carriers, and one tugboat. He noted that the new phase of the operation was launched symbolically on Ukraine’s Statehood Day.

The commander also announced the completion of the first phase of the operation in the Sea of Azov. According to his figures, Ukrainian unmanned systems successfully struck 116 vessels belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet during that stage of the campaign.

According to Madyar, the operation aims to weaken Russia’s maritime logistics by targeting vessels involved in transporting energy commodities and supporting the shadow fleet. He added that the campaign will continue.

The intensification of military activity in the Sea of Azov is already affecting Russia’s grain exports. Due to shipping restrictions in the Kerch Strait area, Russian analysts are revising their July wheat export forecasts downward. According to IKAR, Russia may export less than 2 mln tons of wheat in July, around 20% below its previous forecast. SovEcon has also lowered its outlook, projecting wheat exports to decline by about 13% to 2 mln tons.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, export, Black Sea region, logistics, war