Ukraine Destroys Russian Shadow Fleet Ships and Targets Crimea in Coordinated Strikes
Ukraine strikes on Russian shadow fleet vessels formed a central element of coordinated operations that also targeted occupied Crimea on July 17. Ukrainian forces struck 12 Russian shadow fleet vessels in the Black Sea on July 17 as part of a large-scale attack on occupied Crimea that included explosions, fires at multiple sites, and strikes on a Russian Su-24M bomber. [5]
Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Russian Shadow Fleet
Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces hit nine dry cargo ships, one oil tanker, one gas carrier, and one tugboat in an operation codenamed Molochka that began on July 6 and has struck 159 vessels total, with 117 in the Sea of Azov and 42 in the Black Sea. [5] Russia uses the shadow fleet of aging tankers under flags of convenience to export oil while evading sanctions, allowing it to generate revenue that finances its war against Ukraine. [5] The operation aims to destroy Russia's shadow fleet operating in the Azov and Black Seas. [5] Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces struck 159 vessels during the period since July 6. [5] Brovdi said 117 of the vessels were struck in the Sea of Azov and another 42 in the Black Sea. [5] The fleet enables the Kremlin to sustain oil revenues and continue financing its war against Ukraine. [5]
Simultaneous Large-Scale Attack on Crimea
Ukrainian troops destroy Russian military shelter with 120mm mortar bomb dropped by drone. — Source: ukrainskapravda Explosions and fires were reported in Crimean cities including Kerch railway station where train cars and warehouses burned, Koktebel, Feodosia, and on the Arabat Spit near Russian military positions and a former airfield outside Baherove. [5] Traffic across the Crimean Bridge was suspended for nearly seven hours overnight, and two air raid alerts were issued in Sevastopol. [5] Fires broke out at the Kerch railway station, including blazes in train cars and warehouses. [5] Explosions were reported in the village of Koktebel in southeastern Crimea and in the nearby city of Feodosia. [5] Ukrainian strikes sparked fires on the Arabat Spit, including near areas where Russian forces are stationed. [5] One of the reported fire sites was near the former military airfield outside the village of Baherove. [5] Two air raid alerts were issued in Sevastopol overnight on July 17, while traffic across the Crimean Bridge was suspended for nearly seven hours, from 9:43 p.m. local time until 5:13 a.m. the following day. [5] Ukraine regularly strikes military infrastructure deep within Russia and occupied territories in an effort to diminish Moscow's ability to continue waging its war. [5]
Recent Strikes on Russian Military Assets
On July 16, Ukraine's Omega special forces struck a Russian Su-24M bomber at the Saky air base in occupied Crimea, and the SBU struck two Russian shadow fleet tankers with sea drones. [5] Ukraine's Omega special forces unit said that it struck a Russian Su-24M frontline bomber at the Saky air base in Russian-occupied Crimea. [5] The first drone struck the aircraft's nose section, while the second delivered an additional strike near the fuel tanks, confirming the target had been hit. [5] The Security Service of Ukraine said on July 16 that Ukrainian sea drones struck two Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Black Sea. [5]
Russian Retaliatory Attack on Ukrainian Energy Facilities
Ukrainian strikes hit 12 Russian shadow fleet vessels in the Black Sea on July 17. — Source: newsmax Separately, Russia conducted a large-scale drone attack on Naftogaz Group facilities in Kharkiv, Poltava, and Sumy oblasts, causing fires, significant damage, and suspension of gas production operations. [1] Naftogaz Group has suspended operations at production facilities in Kharkiv, Poltava and Sumy oblasts following a large-scale Russian attack. [1] Russia has been attacking the group's assets from the morning and throughout most of the day, using various types of drones, including jet-powered UAVs. [1] Fires broke out at several facilities, and significant damage was recorded. [1] The full extent of the damage to the equipment cannot yet be assessed because of the risk of repeat strikes. [1] Russia is attempting to destroy Ukraine's gas production, undermine preparations for winter and create problems during the heating season. [1] Since the morning of 17 July, Russia has been carrying out a large-scale drone attack on one of Naftogaz Group's gas production facilities in Kharkiv Oblast. [1]
Ukrainian Strike on Russian Shelter in Kharkiv Oblast
Soldiers from Ukraine's 4th Separate Heavy Mechanised Brigade have destroyed a Russian military shelter by dropping a Ukrainian-made 120mm mortar bomb from a drone. [2] The 120mm mortar bomb was used in a strike on Kharkiv Oblast. [2] It was dropped from an altitude of 150 m at a distance of 15 km from the drone operator. [2] The munition performed well with a very powerful high-explosive fragmentation warhead. [2] The drone-dropped 120mm mortar bomb destroyed a shelter used by Russian troops. [2] The soldiers used a 120mm mortar bomb manufactured by Ukrainian Armor. [2] The complete mortar round weighs 16.5 kg, while the bomb itself weighs 15.7 kg. [2] It is fitted with an M-12 instantaneous mechanical impact fuze. [2] In January, Ukrainian Armor began developing FPV munitions based on its own 82mm and 120mm mortar bombs. [2] In May, it was reported that the company plans to use domestically produced twin-cylinder engines in its new UB120W attack UAVs. [2] The drone is equipped with a 120mm mortar bomb and features a delta-wing design. [2]
Russian Strikes on Black Sea Ports
Russia attacked two Ukrainian Black Sea port cities on Friday, killing three people, officials said, as Moscow intensifies pressure on Ukraine's key trade routes. [3] Russia attacked two Ukrainian Black Sea port cities on Friday, killing three people, officials said, as Moscow intensifies pressure on Ukraine's key trade routes. [4]
What to watch next: Further Ukrainian operations against shadow fleet vessels in the Black Sea and additional Russian drone activity targeting energy sites in multiple oblasts remain possible based on the pattern of strikes reported on July 17 and July 16.
