Ukraine says it has dramatically expanded its maritime drone campaign against Russian-linked shipping, claiming to have struck 201 vessels since launching Operation MoLoCHKa earlier this month, in a move that is increasing pressure on one of Russia’s most strategically important sea routes.
The claimed offensive has intensified activity around the Kerch Strait, a critical maritime corridor linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, as the war continues to reshape the region’s security landscape.
Ukraine Reports 201 Vessels Struck
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces announced on Tuesday that its maritime drones had hit 201 Russian shadow-fleet and associated vessels since the operation began on July 6.
The announcement coincided with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, where the Ukrainian leader sought additional military assistance and stronger international pressure on Russia.
Ukrainian officials said the figure represents the number of vessels struck during the campaign and does not necessarily mean the ships were sunk or completely destroyed.
Videos Show Damage to Multiple Ships
Newly circulated footage appearing on social media shows several vessels damaged during separate incidents in and around the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
One video reportedly captures a low-flying Ukrainian drone striking the Belize-flagged bulk carrier New Victory as it approached the Russian port of Taman.
The footage, said to have been recorded by a crew member, shows the drone approaching before impacting the vessel. According to reports, the attack occurred on July 24, although the video only recently surfaced publicly.
The 556-foot cargo ship, built in Japan in 1997, is capable of carrying more than 26,500 tonnes of cargo.
Additional videos, reportedly filmed by foreign sailors, appear to show:
- A Russian-linked vessel engulfed in flames.
- Two damaged ships seemingly abandoned after suffering blast and fire damage.
- A heavily scorched bulk carrier being towed by two tugboats.
The identity of the final vessel has not been independently confirmed.
Kerch Strait Emerges as Strategic Flashpoint
The Kerch Strait remains one of Russia’s most important maritime routes, carrying oil, fuel, grain and other supplies between Russian ports while supporting operations in occupied Crimea and southern Ukraine.
Some analysts have compared its growing strategic importance to that of the Strait of Hormuz, although the two waterways differ significantly in terms of global economic impact.
Ukraine’s campaign has reportedly targeted tankers, bulk carriers, ferries, gas carriers, tugboats and floating cranes operating within the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
Russia Condemns Attacks
Russia has described attacks on commercial shipping as acts of terrorism.
International maritime authorities have also warned that escalating attacks on vessels could endanger civilian crews and increase the risk of environmental disasters, including major oil spills.
Ukraine, however, maintains that ships transporting Russian fuel, sanctioned exports or supplies supporting Moscow’s military operations form part of Russia’s wartime logistics network and are therefore legitimate military targets.
The latest claims underscore Ukraine’s increasing reliance on drone warfare to disrupt Russian logistics beyond the battlefield.
While Kyiv says its maritime campaign is aimed at weakening Russia’s military supply chain, the attacks have also heightened concerns over the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea region and the potential impact on international trade….See More
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