The situation regarding the safety of vessel navigation in the Black Sea has intensified. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation has officially declared its waters in the region dangerous for navigation. The department explained that this decision is necessary to protect against the threat of attacks by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and maritime drones.
The warning, published in the weekly bulletin on the Ministry of Defense website, is addressed to all vessels located in Russia's exclusive economic zone. Moscow emphasizes that the main reason for the increased danger is the potential threat from the enemy's unmanned systems.
Increased Intensity of Attacks
The statement by the Russian side is a reaction to a significant intensification of strikes against ships in the Black and Azov Seas. According to official data from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, only during the period from July 8 to July 20, at least 124 vessels associated with Russia were subjected to strikes. Among the targets hit were 89 tankers, which indicates targeted pressure on logistical chains.
In recent weeks, the Ukrainian Defense Forces have significantly increased the pace of operations in the waters of the Black and Azov Seas. Unmanned systems forces, as part of the special operation "MoLoChKa," struck almost 200 enemy watercraft. Notably, within just two days, 13 vessels of the so-called Russian "shadow fleet" were hit.
Strikes on Critical Infrastructure
Parallel to actions on the water, the Security Service of Ukraine conducted a long 40-day operation to neutralize a number of critical facilities. Russian tankers, oil depots, and even a bomber were subjected to strikes. According to Kyiv's assessment, these actions dealt a significant blow to the aggressor's military-economic potential.
In addition, the Defense Forces carried out a series of night strikes on military-economic logistics. As a result of these operations, two Russian tankers, a "Buk" surface-to-air missile system, and a strategic bridge were hit. The situation in the region remains tense, and the risks for civilian and military shipping continue to grow.
