Robert Brody, the commander of Ukraine's unmanned systems forces, announced on September 22 that his forces have succeeded in deactivating 300 ships that have been supporting Russia. This operation, which began on July 6, has focused on ships that are supplying the needs of Crimea and exporting from Russia.
Operation Details
Brody stated that among the 300 deactivated ships, 134 were targeted in the Sea of Azov and 166 in the Black Sea. The majority of these ships include tankers carrying fuel and energy products, as well as bulk cargo ships. He wrote in a statement: "The Sea of Azov is currently halted and has come to a standstill, while the regime of 'maybe we can pass' in the north and northeast of the Black Sea is collapsing."
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Consequences and Reactions
This operation has been heavily debated, with Russia describing it as worse than piracy and claiming that Ukraine is only attacking ships and not acting like pirates to steal. At the same time, Russia has increased its attacks, claiming to target ships that are supplying military equipment to Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defense frequently claims to have targeted a cargo ship in one of Ukraine's ports.
Reports indicate that Russia has further halted maritime transport in the region, especially in the Sea of Azov. According to reports, Russia has repurposed fertilizer, coal, and cargo terminals in the Baltic and Arctic, diverting its grain shipments to these ports. Historically, 90 percent of Russia's grain exports were conducted via the Black Sea.
On the other hand, Ukraine has also been forced to find alternative routes for its grain exports, which include ports and the Danube canals. Reports also indicate that Ukraine has increased its exports via trucks and rail, but overall grain exports have decreased.
Brody stated at the beginning of this operation: "Our goal is to irreversibly paralyze the logistics of oil, fuel, and cargo that are used to circumvent sanctions. We want every unmanned ship to become a moving barge - blind and deaf. Our goal is not to pollute the sea with oil spills, which is why we do not sink them."
In a 12-day period at the beginning of July, Brody claimed that his forces targeted 159 tankers. He emphasized the continuation of this operation, stating that these efforts will help Ukraine prevail in this prolonged war.
Turkey has attempted to mediate a ceasefire to stop attacks on commercial shipping, but these agreements have been repeatedly rejected. However, new reports indicate that Russia has shown a willingness to cooperate with Turkey. Nevertheless, attacks on commercial shipping continue.
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