---
title: "Operation 'Molochka': How Ukrainian Drones Paralyzed the Sea of Azov and Threatened Russia's 'Shadow Fleet'"
description: "Ukraine launched Operation 'Molochka', paralyzing shipping in the Sea of Azov using drones. Russian ships are forced to hide in ports, and the 'shadow fleet' is collapsing due to Moscow's tactical miscalculations. 🚢🚫🇷🇺"
date: 2026-07-18T12:15:13.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/operation-molochka-how-ukrainian-drones-paralyzed-the-sea-of-azov-and-threatened-russias-shadow-fleet
tags: [ukraine, russia, azov-sea, drones, black-sea-fleet]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Operation 'Molochka': How Ukrainian Drones Paralyzed the Sea of Azov and Threatened Russia's 'Shadow Fleet'

![Burning Russian tankers in the Sea of Azov after Ukrainian drone attacks, Operation «MoLoChka»](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/18/operatsiya-molochka-ukrainskie-drony-paralizovali-azovskoe-more/operatsiya-molochka-ukrainskie-drony-paralizovali-azovskoe-more-1.webp)

A campaign of unprecedented intensity is unfolding in the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian drone units have launched an operation codenamed 'Molochka' — an acronym concealing a message of Ukraine's victory over the Russian presence in Crimea. In just one week, Kyiv's forces have delivered a series of strikes using long-range FP-2 drones, conducting attacks on average every two hours.

The results of this campaign have been immediately felt by the enemy's logistics. Maritime traffic in the region has been almost completely paralyzed. Data from Starboard Maritime Intelligence records a sharp decline in activity: the number of ship signals has dropped by more than half. Satellite imagery confirms that Russian vessels are no longer risking open waters, forced to concentrate in safe passages to the south and east.

### New Tactics: Paralysis Instead of Sinking

Major Robert 'Magyar' Brovdi, commander of the Ukrainian drone forces, summarized the current situation with the phrase: 'Russia's shadow fleet is dying out.' However, the success of the operation lies not only in the quantity of attacks but also in their quality. Kyiv's tactics proved sophisticated: instead of striving for the physical destruction of the ship, drones attack control and communication systems in the cabins.

This strategy leads to the paralysis of the vessel in the open sea. To save stranded ships, Russia is forced to send tugboats, which not only creates new targets for attack but also critically exacerbates the logistical burden on the fleet. RUSI experts note that Ukraine has proven a new truth of modern warfare: a powerful fleet of warships is no longer needed for an effective blockade of a sea route.

### Strategic Miscalculations by Moscow

Kyiv's success is largely due to fundamental errors in Russia's defense strategy. Over the past few years, Moscow has been building up offensive capabilities, betting on ballistic missiles and glide bombs, but neglected short-range air defense systems necessary to counter drones.

When Russian air defense systems were exhausted by coordinated attacks on oil storage facilities, civilian vessels were left unprotected. Russian escort ships, according to available data, are not designed to destroy small drones. The Black Sea Fleet is effectively idle in ports, prioritizing missile launches over cargo protection. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that international insurance companies refuse to insure Russian vessels against war risks.

### Escalation and Operation Goals

Kyiv's main goal is to cut off fuel supplies to Crimea, where the population is already suffering from rolling power outages and fuel shortages. The operation has gone beyond the Sea of Azov and spread to the Black Sea — the key gateway to international markets. Russian ships seeking refuge in Novorossiysk port are no longer protected from attacks by 'Sargan-300' maritime drones.

Under such pressure, Moscow seems to have no adequate countermeasures. While the West expresses concern about attacks on civilian vessels, Ukraine insists that it is striking exclusively at objects directly supporting Russia's military actions.

Major Brovdi also clarified one of the key questions: why the Kerch Bridge, the only route connecting Crimea to the mainland, is still functioning. According to him, Ukraine has blocked supply routes but left escape routes. 'The bridge stands there for one single reason: so the Russians can leave,' the commander stated.

This campaign has become not just a military operation, but proof of a shift in the balance of power at sea, where inexpensive technologies can outperform large-scale and complex logistical projects.