Kyiv: Ukraine has stepped up its campaign against Russian military logistics in the Black Sea, using long range drones to target ships, ports and supply infrastructure that support Moscow's operations in occupied Crimea. The latest offensive reflects Kyiv's growing reliance on unmanned technology as it seeks to weaken Russia's military presence at sea without matching its larger naval fleet.
According to Reuters, the campaign is being led by Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces under Commander Robert Brovdi, known by his military call sign "Magyar." The operation focuses on disrupting Russian supply lines rather than engaging in traditional naval battles. Ukrainian officials say the goal is to make it increasingly difficult and costly for Russia to transport fuel, equipment and military supplies to occupied Crimea and other frontline positions.
The operation, known as MoLoChKa, began with attacks in the Sea of Azov but has now expanded into the Black Sea. Ukrainian drone teams are launching long range one way attack drones from concealed positions across southern Ukraine. The operators frequently change locations after each mission to avoid being detected and targeted by Russian forces.
Military officials quoted by Reuters said the campaign has struck more than 180 maritime related targets over the past several weeks. These include cargo vessels, ferries, port cranes, electrical substations and other facilities that play an important role in supporting Russia's military logistics. While Reuters could not independently verify the full extent of the claimed damage, the operations highlight Ukraine's increasing ability to carry out coordinated long range strikes.
The campaign is aimed at reducing Russia's ability to use occupied Crimea as a major military hub. Ukrainian officials believe repeated attacks on maritime infrastructure will force Russia to divert more resources to protect its shipping routes and repair damaged facilities. The strategy also seeks to interrupt ferry services across the Kerch Strait, which remains one of the key supply routes linking Russia with occupied Crimea.
The latest attacks come after earlier Ukrainian strikes on fuel tankers and other vessels transporting supplies to Crimea. Those operations signaled an expansion of Ukraine's efforts to target maritime logistics rather than focusing solely on military installations inland. Analysts say this approach allows Ukraine to challenge Russia's naval operations despite having a much smaller conventional navy.
Russia has responded by increasing missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian ports along the Black Sea coast. Recent strikes have targeted the ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Mykolaiv, damaging infrastructure used for exports and military logistics. Moscow says these facilities are being used to support Ukraine's armed forces, while Kyiv argues that the attacks are intended to damage the country's economy and disrupt grain exports that remain vital to global food supplies.
The continuing attacks have also affected commercial shipping in the region. Some international shipowners have reportedly delayed or suspended voyages to Ukrainian ports because of the heightened security risks. Although Ukraine has managed to maintain export routes through parts of the Black Sea, repeated attacks on port infrastructure have created additional challenges for trade and transportation.
Military experts believe Ukraine's growing use of drones represents one of the most significant developments in the conflict. Unable to compete directly with Russia's larger navy, Kyiv has increasingly invested in unmanned systems capable of striking targets hundreds of kilometers away. These operations are designed to slowly reduce Russia's operational capabilities by targeting supply networks instead of attempting large scale naval engagements.
Analysts say the campaign demonstrates how modern warfare is increasingly being shaped by relatively inexpensive drones that can threaten high value military assets. The use of unmanned aircraft and naval drones has already forced Russia to strengthen defenses around Crimea and redeploy resources to protect ships and coastal facilities.
The maritime campaign is unfolding as Western allies continue to increase economic pressure on Moscow. This week, the European Union approved its twenty first package of sanctions against Russia, targeting financial institutions, shipping activities and sectors linked to the country's war effort. Ukrainian officials have welcomed the latest measures, saying that tighter sanctions combined with continued military operations increase pressure on Russia's ability to sustain the conflict.
NATO officials have also suggested that Russia's navy is facing increasing operational pressure. According to senior alliance officials, escorting commercial vessels and protecting maritime supply routes have placed additional demands on Russian naval forces, reducing their operational flexibility in other areas.
As fighting continues, the Black Sea has become one of the most important fronts in the war. Rather than relying on traditional naval battles, both Ukraine and Russia are increasingly using drones, missiles and precision strikes to attack logistics, infrastructure and supply chains. Ukraine hopes that sustained pressure on Russian maritime operations will gradually weaken Moscow's ability to support its forces in occupied Crimea, while Russia continues efforts to defend its shipping routes and maintain control over strategic waters.