---
title: "Satellite captures aftermath of attack: Russian tankers burning in the Sea of Azov"
description: "Planet Labs satellite captured a burning Russian tanker in the Sea of Azov following an attack by Ukrainian forces. 🛰️🔥 Images confirm damage to at least two vessels in the Kerch Strait area. Ukraine continues to strike the RF's \"shadow fleet.\" 🇺🇦🚢"
date: 2026-07-10T11:46:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/satellite-confirms-russian-tankers-hit-azov-sea-en
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Satellite captures aftermath of attack: Russian tankers burning in the Sea of Azov

![Ukrainian soldier with drone against sun — symbol of precision strikes on Russian tankers in the Sea of Azov](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/10/satellite-confirms-russian-tankers-hit-azov-sea/satellite-confirms-russian-tankers-hit-azov-sea-1.webp)

Satellite imagery confirms extensive destruction in the Sea of Azov following a nighttime attack by Ukrainian forces. Images obtained by Planet Labs on July 9 demonstrate the consequences of strikes against vessels of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet."

### Visual confirmation of strikes

In frames published by the "Schemes" project (Radio Liberty), traces of combat operations are clearly visible in the Kerch Strait area. An active fire is recorded on one of the tankers. Approximately ten kilometers from the burning vessel, another object is located which also shows visual signs of damage.

Experts note that due to the limited resolution of satellite images, it is currently impossible to accurately identify the class and type of the damaged Russian ships. Nevertheless, the presence of fire and damage on the decks confirms the fact of successful strikes.

### Scale of the operation in the Sea of Azov

On the night of July 9, the Ukrainian Defense Forces conducted a comprehensive operation during which not only ships were attacked, but also an oil terminal and the enemy's ammunition depot. According to the Ukrainian side, 12 ships of the Russian fleet were hit in the Sea of Azov.

These events continued a series of successful actions against the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia had effectively lost control of the situation in the Black Sea. At a meeting with the military leadership, a diagram was presented recording the destroyed enemy ships.

### Russia's reaction and tactical changes

In response to the growing threat from Ukrainian drones, Russian military forces are forced to change their defense tactics. The UK Ministry of Defence reported that the Russian Black Sea Fleet has begun to equip its submarines with special protective cages. This measure is intended to protect submarines from drone attacks, which have recently become one of the most effective tools of Ukrainian defense.