Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces conducted a sustained multi-day drone campaign against Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov from July 6–14, striking an estimated 116 or more ships including shadow fleet tankers, tugboats, dry cargo vessels, and a ferry across multiple consecutive nights.
- Confirmed strikes include two tankers (one being Captain Barmin ) on July 6.
- Eight tankers and a ferry in Kerch on July 7; the sanctioned tanker Blue near Yalta on July 8, struck by a Sea Baby drone.
- Twelve tankers, a tugboat, a dry cargo ship, and the Yug Rusi oil terminal in Bataysk, Rostov region, on July 9.
The pace accelerated sharply from July 10 onward.
- Thirteen vessels were struck on July 10, including ten tankers.
- An overnight operation on July 11 added 28 vessels, raising the total to 76.
- July 12 saw ten tankers and four ferries struck in Taganrog Bay, bringing the total to 90, with one sailor killed aboard a methanol tanker.
- An overnight operation on July 13 struck fifteen more vessels (seven tankers, five dry cargo ships, one ferry, and two tugboats) bringing the confirmed total to 105.
The latest available count stands at 116.
Russia suspended navigation on the Don-Azov Canal and halted Kerch Strait transit applications from July 10. Euronext wheat futures rose 4 percent on fears for Russia's Black Sea grain corridor following the disruptions.
The campaign represents one of the most intensive concentrated drone offensives against Russian maritime assets since the conflict began. Investigation into the full extent of damage across all vessels is ongoing.