Russia Halts Azov-Don Canal Shipping as Ukrainian Drone Campaign Hits 90 Vessels in One Week

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces commander Robert "Madyar" Brovdi reported that drone operators struck 90 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov between July 6 and July 12, including tankers, tugboats, ferries, and dry cargo ships, with 14 more hit overnight into July 12, 10 tankers and four ferries among them 1234. Ukraine's General Staff stated the targeted vessels support Russian military logistics and are used to transport oil and petroleum products while circumventing international sanctions 25. Reuters reported, citing three sources in Russia's grain export industry, that Russia suspended navigation through the Don-Azov Canal on July 10, with border guards telling shipping companies they would stop accepting Kerch Strait passage applications effective 6:10 p.m. local time that day and no timeline given for restoration 56. Brovdi separately said a target he called the "Crimean switch" was struck overnight into July 12, with evidence to be released later 34. Market analysts cited by Reuters estimated up to one-quarter of Russia's wheat exports transit the Sea of Azov, and Euronext wheat futures rose as much as 4% on July 10 6.