Ukrainian drone strikes have forced Russia to suspend shipping in the Sea of Azov, disrupting a critical maritime corridor.

Russia has been compelled to halt shipping through the Don-Azov canal, which connects to a Russian river network and the Caspian Sea, after Ukrainian drones targeted 90 vessels in less than a week. Ukraine's drone forces chief reported hitting 10 tankers, four ferries, and a major oil refinery. This blockade effectively shuts down an export route via Kerch and the Bosphorus strait, with Ukraine's former defense minister stating that the Kremlin has lost control of a 'critical' maritime corridor affecting military vessels and grain transport.