Ukraine's Drone Forces Strike 300 Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers in 11 Weeks

Today’s news features Ukraine’s continued efforts against Russian military and financial operations, alongside developments in European defense and sanction policies.

Ukraine’s Drone Forces Strike Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers

Ukraine’s drone forces have struck 300 Russian shadow fleet tankers in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov over the past 11 weeks, according to Kyiv Post Defense. The commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, Robert Brovdi, announced the success of “Operation MoLoChKa,” with 134 tankers hit in the Sea of Azov and 166 in the Black Sea. Most strikes occurred in July, with 159 tankers hit within 12 days, ending on July 17. This operation targets aging oil tankers that bypass Western sanctions and price caps, aiming to disrupt Russia’s ability to finance its war efforts.

Ukraine Hits Russian Drone Hub Near Border

Ukraine’s Defense Forces have struck a major Russian drone complex in the Oryol region, approximately 175 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, Kyiv Post Defense reports. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the attack, which targeted a site used for the storage, preparation, and launch of attack unmanned aerial vehicles near Tsimbulova. At least three storage facilities were hit, causing fires, and five drone launchers were damaged, aiming to degrade Russia’s capacity to launch UAV attacks.

Student Arrested for Activating Starlink Terminals for Russian Troops

Ukrainian authorities have arrested a student in Lviv and an accomplice for allegedly activating at least 14 Starlink terminals for Russian intelligence, Kyiv Post Defense reports. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated the student was recruited via social media and then recruited an unemployed friend to help register the terminals. The SBU suspects they may have registered up to 40 additional Starlink terminals, highlighting ongoing efforts to counter Russian espionage and maintain communication security.

Leonardo and Alkeon Partner for Naval Gun Production in Denmark

Leonardo and Alkeon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish local assembly and production of the 76/62 millimeter Super Rapid naval gun system in Denmark, Naval News reports. This partnership aims to strengthen Denmark’s security of supply and industrial resilience by integrating Danish suppliers into Leonardo’s global defense supply chain. The initiative seeks to create skilled jobs, secure industrial investments, and increase Danish participation in national and international defense programs.

Latvia Blocks EU Bid to Lift Sanctions on Russian Oligarchs

Latvia has blocked a proposed European Union compromise that would have lifted sanctions on Russian-linked billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, Kyiv Post Defense reports. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced the decision, stating that Europe’s pressure on Russia must strengthen. The compromise aimed to renew broader sanctions on approximately 3,000 other individuals and entities for three years, but all EU sanction decisions require unanimous approval from all 27 member states.

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