Are the drone attacks in the Sea of Azov a violation of international law?

Attacks on military vessels are generally lawful if properly targeted, but strikes on civilian ships would constitute violations.

Why are most attacks conducted at night?

Nighttime operations reduce detection risk and increase the element of surprise for drone missions.

What economic impact do these attacks have on Russia?

Disrupting a key grain export route could reduce revenue and increase shipping costs, affecting global food markets.

Ukrainian Drones Launch Night Attack on Russian Ships in Sea of Azov, 116 Vessels Targeted in 9 Days

Published Jul 15, 2026 12:22 AM ・ Updated Jul 15, 2026 3:16 AM ・ 3 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Ukrainian military drones conducted a nighttime strike on 11 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov, bringing the total number of attacked ships over the past nine days to 116. The targets included oil tankers, cargo ships, and a tugboat, amid growing concerns over disruptions to critical grain export routes.

(Central News Agency, Kyiv/Moscow, 14th - international wire reports) Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's drone forces, announced that Ukrainian military drones launched a nighttime attack on 11 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov, bringing the total number of ships attacked over the past nine days to 116.

According to Reuters, Brovdi released a statement via the messaging app Telegram, specifying that the targets included five oil tankers, five dry cargo ships, and one tugboat.

The report did not clarify whether any grain-carrying vessels were among the targets. However, anonymous industry sources told Reuters that several grain ships caught fire after being attacked yesterday and today.

One source told Reuters: 'Those ships are like targets in front of a firing squad. In just a few more days, there won't be a single intact vessel left in the Sea of Azov—only damaged ones.'

Russia today accused Ukraine of 'terrorism' for intensifying attacks on maritime shipping in the Sea of Azov, a route responsible for approximately one-quarter of Russia's grain exports.

In response, a Ukrainian military source told Reuters: 'The Armed Forces of Ukraine only strike military targets or those that enhance Russia's combat capabilities.' (Compiled by Yang Chao-yen) 1150714

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Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan

Ukrainian Drones Launch Night Attack on Russian Ships in Sea of Azov, 116 Vessels Targeted in 9 Days

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