Russia readies to reroute exports from Sea of Azov after Ukrainian attacks

Russia is mobilizing contingency measures to maintain grain exports following a sustained campaign of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting commercial shipping in the Sea of Azov. Ukrainian military officials reported that overnight attacks destroyed or damaged 11 Russian vessels, including five tankers, five dry cargo ships, and a tugboat. This latest strike brings the cumulative toll over the preceding nine days to 116 vessels, according to Ukrainian military commander Robert Brovdi.

In response, Russia's Ministry of Agriculture announced plans to deploy alternative shipping routes and redirect cargo through other transportation modes. Officials stated that despite the maritime disruptions, the domestic food supply and Russia's export capacity would remain unaffected. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov characterized the Ukrainian operations as acts of terrorism, arguing that the attacks serve no strategic purpose beyond causing damage and intimidation.

The escalation in the Azov Sea coincides with intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure, contributing to fuel shortages within Russia. Russia's Ministry of Defence reported intercepting 288 Ukrainian drones across the country overnight, while acknowledging that attacks ignited fires at the Afipsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region and struck facilities in Bashkortostan. Ukrainian forces claimed to have shot down seven missiles and 108 drones during the same period.