Ukraine intensifies its anti-shipping efforts, targeting Russian vessels in the Black Sea, while political changes impact military leadership.
Ukraine has widened its anti-shipping campaign from the Sea of Azov into the Black Sea, striking Russia-linked merchant vessels and adding to Moscow's maritime losses, reported Fort Lauderdale's Maritime Executive.
Overnight on July 15, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces hit 17 oil tankers, two gas carriers, and one tugboat. The 'Magyar's Birds' unit stated that it struck two LNG carriers; however, analysts noted that the vessels were likely LPG carriers given the absence of LNG terminals in the region.
In earlier Azov operations, Ukrainian drones targeted deckhouses to disable bridges, often causing crew casualties. In the Black Sea strikes, pilots aimed at cargo tanks, a tactic more likely to damage ships without heavy crew losses.
The success of the campaign was overshadowed by the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Federov. President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Mr. Federov, reportedly replacing him with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. Federov, a former tech executive, had diverted payroll funds to finance drone strike capabilities and was credited with battlefield gains and anti-corruption efforts.
Mr. Federov's six-month tenure was marked by clashes with traditional military leaders, including General Oleksandr Syrski. 'Firing him after just six months, and with no explanation, is a really bad look for Zelensky,' commented Wall Street Journal correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov.