Full Breakdown
Ukrainian Drone Campaign Expands Maritime Strikes on Russian Vessels and Energy Infrastructure
7/24/2026, 11:15:12 PM
Core Event: Intensified Drone Attacks on Russian Shipping and Energy Sites
Since early July, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have launched long-range FP-1 and FP-2 drones from rear areas to strike Russian-controlled vessels and energy facilities in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and occupied Crimea. In a 48-hour window on July 21-22, the force reported hitting 13 vessels of Russia’s “shadow fleet” – one tanker, ten dry-cargo ships and two tugboats – and 13 energy installations, including 11 in Crimea. The maritime campaign, dubbed “MoLoChKa,” has targeted a total of 196 vessels (126 in the Azov Sea and 70 in the Black Sea) since July 6, according to its commander.
Background & Context
The attacks aim to disrupt sea-borne supply routes that support Russian forces in occupied southern Ukraine and Crimea, while protecting Ukraine’s grain export corridor through Odesa.
Key Figures & Groups
- Robert “Madyar” Brovdi – commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces.
- “Ray” – call-sign of the battalion commander of the 414th Separate Unmanned Strike Aviation System Brigade.
- Alexander Drozdenko – governor of Russia’s Leningrad region.
- Kyiv’s Agriculture Minister – announced a temporary suspension of vessel arrivals at Ukrainian Black Sea ports for grain exports.
Timeline
- July 1 – Ukraine begins “Crimean Switch Off,” targeting energy infrastructure.
- July 6 – MoLoChKa reports 196 Russian vessels struck to date.
- July 16 – Russian forces strike Ukrainian ports 23 times and civilian vessels 17 times.
- July 17-19 – Ukrainian accounts record 159-176 vessels hit and 96 energy facilities struck; a Russian missile attack kills 10 sailors on a grain carrier.
- July 21-22 – 13 shadow-fleet vessels and 13 energy sites hit.
- July 23 – Shipowners temporarily suspend arrivals at Ukrainian Black Sea ports for agricultural exports.
- July 24 – Drones strike a Wildberries warehouse near Saint Petersburg, injuring three.
Data & Statistics
- Vessels hit since early July: 196 total (126 Azov, 70 Black Sea).
- July 21-22 strike: 1 tanker, 10 dry-cargo ships, 2 tugboats.
- Energy targets since July 1: 117 facilities (including 13 on July 21-22).
- Casualties: 10 sailors killed (July 19); three injured in the Saint Petersburg attack.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Agriculture Minister noted shipowners halted vessel arrivals because of the surge in attacks.
- Governor Drozdenko reported three wounded in the Saint Petersburg warehouse fire and 59 Ukrainian drones shot down in the region.
- President Zelensky claimed the targeted logistics hubs supplied sanctioned components for Ukrainian drone production.
Impact & Significance
The campaign has constrained Russian shipping through the Azov Sea, reduced the Kerch ferry crossing’s capacity by an estimated 75 percent, and forced Russia to allocate additional air-defence resources to protect commercial vessels. Strikes on Crimean energy sites have contributed to fuel shortages and a declared state of emergency on the peninsula.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of vessels struck. The Straits Times cites “more than 180 vessels” over three weeks, while Kyivpost and United24media give a precise figure of 196 since July 6. Independent verification is lacking.
What's Next
Ukrainian officials say MoLoChKa and “Crimean Switch Off” operations will continue, but no specific future dates or escalations are detailed.
