Ukraine says its drones hit 116 vessels in the Azov Sea in nine days. On Tuesday, Russia answered that it was working on other shipping routes and might restrict traffic on the sea itself.
The commander of Ukraine’s drone forces gave the figure, saying the targets included several tankers and cargo ships. He described the aim as damaging Russia’s “shadow fleet” and cutting petrol supplies to Crimea, which Moscow still controls.
Why the sea matters
The Azov Sea is bordered by Russia, by Russian-occupied southern Ukraine and by Crimea, which Moscow annexed. It carries agricultural exports, including grain from occupied Ukrainian territory that Kyiv calls stolen, as well as supplies bound for Crimea. The strikes come as Ukraine has sharply stepped up drone attacks deep inside Russia, which have contributed to fuel shortages across the country.
The attacks raise the prospect of thinner traffic on a route used for both farm exports and military-linked supply. Russia and Ukraine are among the world’s biggest producers of grain and wheat.
Moscow’s response
Russia’s Agriculture Ministry said “alternative shipping routes are currently being worked out in collaboration with relevant agencies and the business community.” It insisted that exports would go on. “The situation in the Azov Sea will not affect the domestic market’s food supply or our country’s export capabilities,” the ministry said.
The Transport Ministry said it was “taking all necessary measures to ensure the smooth operation of freight logistics.” If needed, it added, some cargo would be moved onto other forms of transport.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was asked about the strikes at a Moscow news conference with his Chadian counterpart. He said President Vladimir Putin was dealing with the matter. “The president is working for this to stop,” Lavrov said. He also promised that Russia would keep sending food to African countries, under commercial contracts and as humanitarian aid: “In any case, we will continue to fulfill all our obligations to supply food to our African friends.”
The claims are worth reading side by side. Moscow says food supply and exports are safe, yet it is also drawing up detours and talking about limits on shipping. Nothing in Tuesday’s statements said what the new routes would be or when they would open.
Washington’s view
Lavrov accused European countries of trying to “steer the United States off course” from efforts to settle the war. President Donald Trump recently voiced support for Ukrainian strikes inside Russia. “It’s an escalation, but it’s also an escalation that can help lead to an end,” Trump said last week.
