Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) said they struck at least 28 more Russian-linked vessels in the Sea of Azov overnight, bringing the total number targeted over the past six days to 76, according to USF commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi. The figures have not been independently verified.
Reuters reported that Russia’s border service has stopped accepting new transit applications through the Azov-Don Canal following the recent attacks. Rostov region Governor Yury Slyusar said four vessels, including a tanker, were damaged near Taganrog and one sailor was killed. Reuters could not independently verify the full scale of Ukraine’s reported overnight operation.
The USF has not yet released a breakdown of the vessel types reportedly struck on Saturday, saying additional reconnaissance is underway.
Maritime security consultancy Ambrey said video from previous attacks showed Ukrainian drones consistently targeting ships’ bridges and accommodation blocks rather than their hulls—a tactic it said mirrors Russian attacks on merchant shipping and increases the risk of seafarer casualties. The company also assessed there is a “realistic possibility” Russia could retaliate against Ukraine-linked commercial shipping within the next two to five days.
Rather than seeking decisive naval engagements, Ukraine’s campaign increasingly targets the logistics network sustaining Russian operations in occupied Crimea. If the reported scale of the latest strikes is confirmed, it would mark another step in Kyiv’s effort to transform the Sea of Azov from a secure Russian supply corridor into a contested military and commercial waterway.
