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Russia calls Ukraine’s Sea of Azov shipping strikes terrorism as Kyiv claims 116 vessels hit
Confirmed
What we know
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday accused Ukraine of terrorism over escalating drone attacks on shipping in the Sea of Azov, a corridor that handles about a quarter of Russia’s grain exports. Ukraine’s unmanned systems commander Robert Brovdi said overnight strikes hit 11 more Russian vessels—five tankers, five dry-cargo ships, and a tug—bringing Kyiv’s claimed nine-day total to 116.
Russia’s Agriculture Ministry said it was working with agencies and business on alternative shipping routes and other transport modes, insisting domestic food supply and export capability would not be disrupted. Industry sources told Reuters that Azov traffic remained restricted and that some grain ships had been hit; Ukrainian statements emphasized degrading feeder and shadow-fleet logistics rather than sinking every target.
What's confirmed
- Lavrov publicly labeled the Azov campaign “terrorism, pure and simple” (Reuters; Al Jazeera).
- Kyiv claimed 11 vessels hit overnight and 116 over nine days (Reuters; DW; Al Jazeera).
- Russia’s Agriculture Ministry announced work on alternate export routing from the Azov basin (Al Jazeera; DW; Reuters).
What's still developing
- Independent verification of vessel counts, grain-ship damage, and how long Kerch Strait / Azov-Don channel restrictions persist.
- How quickly Black Sea and Baltic reroutes can absorb Russian grain volumes.