Ukraine Claims Strikes on 12 Russian Shadow Fleet Vessels in Black and Azov Seas
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Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces said they struck 12 vessels belonging to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet in the Black and Azov Seas between August 1 and 8. The attacks are part of a broader operation that has hit 218 vessels since July 6. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed a drone strike on a cargo ship near Odesa carrying weapons for Ukraine.
The Shadow Fleet Campaign
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS) reported hitting 12 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet between August 1 and 8 in the Black and Azov Seas. The unit released a video purportedly showing a Ukrainian drone evading three anti-aircraft missiles fired by a Russian Pantsir system. Since the launch of operation 'MoLoChKa' on July 6, SBS claims 218 vessels have been struck, with 134 in the Azov Sea and 84 in the Black Sea. Russian forces attempted to counter the attacks using anti-aircraft systems, according to the Ukrainian statement.
The Sivash Observation Post
Ukraine’s General Staff separately announced a strike on a Russian technical observation post on the self-elevating drilling rig 'Sivash' overnight on August 8. The rig, located on the Golitsyn field approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Crimea, is used by Russian forces to host surveillance equipment. The extent of the damage is under assessment, the military said. Russia has utilized offshore platforms in the northwestern Black Sea for military purposes, including reconnaissance, since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Russian Claim on Odesa Cargo Ship
Russia’s Defense Ministry asserted on August 7 that its forces struck a dry cargo ship near Odesa with a Geran-4 Seeker unmanned aerial vehicle. The vessel was allegedly transporting weapons and military equipment for Ukraine’s armed forces. No independent verification of the claim is available. The ministry named the ship as a participant in logistics for the Ukrainian military.
What's Next
Ukraine’s military is assessing the damage from the Sivash rig strike, with results expected in the coming days. It remains unclear whether the intensified strikes will disrupt Russia’s use of the shadow fleet and offshore platforms.
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Ukraine Claims Strikes on 12 Russian Shadow Fleet Vessels in Black and Azov Seas
