Ukraine says it struck 36 Russian vessels in four days

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, in coordination with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), have struck 36 Russian vessels in the Black and Azov seas over the past four days, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry has announced.

The ministry said the targets included tankers that Kyiv describes as part of Russia's "shadow fleet," as well as cargo ships, a ferry and a tugboat, Caliber.Az reports.

Earlier, the General Staff of the Armed Forces stated that the Ukrainian Army struck multiple maritime and land-based targets, including 12 tankers, a tugboat and a bulk carrier in the Sea of Azov, as well as energy and military infrastructure in Russian-controlled and Russian territory.

The strikes also targeted the Yug Rusi oil terminal in Bataysk, in Russia’s Rostov region, and an ammunition depot in Sorokino in the Luhansk region.

The General Staff confirmed the scope of the operation but said the full impact remains under assessment.

The extent of the damage and the results of the strikes are being clarified.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov