Azov Corps, USF, and SSU Strike Key Infrastructure at Mariupol Port and Hit Vessel of Russia’s Shadow Fleet

The Defense Forces of Ukraine used drones to strike key infrastructure at the seaport in occupied Mariupol in the Donetsk region, reducing Russia’s ability to fully use it.

The 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard reported the operation and published a video of the strike.

The Azov Corps together launched the strikes together with the SSU regional units in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the SSU Special Operations Center “A,” and the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces (USF).

As a result, critical infrastructure at the Mariupol commercial port was destroyed, according to Ukrainian defense officials.

Targets included electrical substations, radar equipment, repair facilities, a control tower, and fuel and lubricant storage tanks.

In addition, the dry cargo vessel Lady Augusta, which is under sanctions, was hit. Azov said the vessel is part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.

Thick smoke over the port of Mariupol. June 6, 2026. Photo credits: Exilenova+The Corps reported that the port was fully de-powered after the operation, significantly reducing Russia’s ability to use it for military logistics.

Azov noted that it will continue targeting Russian logistics hubs in the Sea of Azov and strike facilities supporting the Russian military.

The Defense Forces did not disclose when the operation took place, but a large-scale strike on Mariupol’s port infrastructure was reported on June 6. Footage posted online showed thick black smoke rising above the port.

The Mariupol commercial seaport is the largest and deepest port on the Sea of Azov.

It is connected to the railway network and roads leading to southern and eastern Ukraine, as well as to Rostov-on-Don. Russia has used the port to supply fuel and ammunition to the south.

In May, it was reported that pilots of the 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard began systematically destroying Russian military logistics in Mariupol using Hornet kamikaze drones.