Russia Suspends Shipping Through Kerch Strait Following Attack by Ukrainian Drones

Russia has temporarily suspended the passage of ships through the Kerch Strait and the Don-Azov Shipping Channel following an attack by Ukrainian drones on Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov.

This was reported by Reuters, citing three sources in the grain export industry.

According to the agency’s sources, the FSB Border Service informed shipping companies that as of 6:10 p.m. local time on July 10, 2026, it had stopped accepting applications for passage through the Kerch Strait, which connects the Azov and Black Seas.

The statement did not specify when the restrictions would be lifted.

The decision was made after Ukraine attacked 13 Russian shadow fleet vessels in the Sea of Azov, including 10 tankers.

The Don-Azov Shipping Canal connects the Don River to the Sea of Azov and plays an important role in the transport of grain.

The Rostov region and Krasnodar Krai—two of Russia’s main grain-producing regions—are located along the coast of the Sea of Azov.

In addition, Russia’s second-largest port in the Black Sea basin in terms of cargo transshipment volume is located on the shore of the Kerch Strait.

It is estimated that up to a quarter of Russia’s wheat exports pass through the Sea of Azov.

Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure, leading to local fuel shortages.

The Unmanned Systems Forces struck nine tankers of Russia’s shadow fleet in the Sea of Azov on the night of July 8.

In addition, on the night of July 7, pilots of the Kairos unit of the 414th Separate USF Brigade ‘Birds of Madyar,’ used FPV drones to strike eight more tankers.