The Black Sea is an inland sea between Europe and Asia, connecting to the Mediterranean via the Bosporus Strait. Known as a critical maritime trade and energy corridor and a strategic theater for NATO-Russia rivalry. Recently, it has seen sustained drone warfare targeting Russian naval assets and energy infrastructure, with strikes on tankers and export terminals. Last updated 4 days ago
A Ukrainian USV struck the AVERO oil tanker in the Black Sea near Novorossiysk. The vessel belongs to Russia's "Shadow Fleet." Fourth such tanker hit by the SBU in 10 days.
Two Russian "shadow fleet" oil tankers, the Louise 1 and Banda, were hit by naval drones in the Black Sea. Ukraine's SBU and Navy carried out the strike to disrupt sanctions-evading oil exports funding Russia's war.
Under Operation MoLoChKa, Ukrainian attack drones struck 20 Russian tankers overnight, causing several catastrophic onboard fires. The campaign aims to deny Russia the Black Sea basin.
Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces have extended their naval blockade into the Black Sea. In the first round of Black Sea strikes, 17 oil tankers, 2 gas tankers and 1 tugboat were hit with FP-series deep-strike drones. Commander Robert "Madyar" Brovdi says 136 "Shadow Fleet" vessels were struck between July 6 and July 15.
Ukrainian drones set a Russian oil pumping station at Lazarevo on fire overnight. The facility is a major node on the Siberian crude pipeline feeding Black Sea and Baltic Sea export terminals.
Britain released cockpit footage of Russian Su-27 and Su-35 jets intercepting an RAF RC-135 surveillance plane over the Black Sea. The UK called it a "dangerous intercept" during a routine reconnaissance mission. Crew completed the flight safely.
Russia's Taman Black Sea oil export terminal was hit by Ukrainian attack drones overnight. Storage tanks are on fire and a loading pier sustained damage.
Zelensky: “If we are involved in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, we will consider the proposal and help. We have important experience from reopening the Black Sea corridor. It’s not just about unblocking, but maintaining security and clear rules.”
