48 Ships in 120 Hours: Ukraine’s Campaign to Cut Off Crimea (+28 more on July 11: A Total of 76) - What's Going on With Shipping
In this episode, we analyze the massive escalation in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov as Ukraine launches a systematic drone campaign against Russian maritime logistics. Between July 6th and July 10th, 2026, a staggering 48 vessels were targeted, marking a strategic shift in the conflict toward a "starvation" strategy against Russian forces in Crimea.
Key Highlights:

Systematic Destruction: A breakdown of the 120-hour surge that saw 48 vessels hit, including 32 tankers, cargo ships, ferries, and tugboats.

The "Mission Kill" Strategy: Analysis of why Ukrainian drones are targeting bridge structures and engine rooms to disable vessels rather than sinking them.

Targeting the Lifeblood: How these strikes on the Sea of Azov directly impact the Don and Volga River systems—the essential "food, fuel, and fertilizer" corridors for the Russian economy.

Logistical Siege of Crimea: Exploring the strategic goal of cutting off fuel supplies to Crimea as overland routes and the Kerch Strait Bridge remain under constant threat.

The "Dark Fleet" Definition: Clarifying how Ukraine is identifying sanctioned Russian trade vessels and why even international-flagged tankers are being caught in the crossfire.