Significant Disruption in Kerch Strait Affects Russian Shipping Operations

Buzzline

Commercial shipping has been temporarily halted by Russia in the Kerch Strait and Don-Azov Canal due to a substantial Ukrainian drone operation aimed at Russian maritime logistics and petroleum infrastructure. Ukrainian military sources claim to have targeted 18 Russian vessels, among which are 13 sanctioned oil tankers associated with Moscow’s covert fleet. This interruption impacts a shipping corridor responsible for approximately 25% of Russia's wheat exports, leading to a nearly 4% increase in Euronext wheat futures following the announcement. These events underscore the escalating effects of the conflict on local trade, energy systems, and international commodity markets.

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00:00Russia has suddenly halted shipping through the Kerch Strait.

00:03The move follows a massive wave of Ukrainian drone attacks.

00:06Ukraine says it targeted Russia's maritime logistics.

00:10The strikes focused on Moscow's sanctioned shadow fleet of oil tankers.

00:14Commercial traffic through the Kerch Strait and Don Azov Canal has been suspended.

00:19The route is vital for Russia's Black Sea and Azov Sea shipping.

00:23It also carries nearly a quarter of Russia's wheat exports.

00:26Global markets reacted as wheat prices surged.

00:30Overnight, drones reportedly struck four more vessels.

00:33One of them was a tanker carrying methanol.

00:36Russia said the ships suffered only minor damage.

00:39Officials also claimed there were no chemical leaks.

00:42Ukraine says it previously hit 18 Russian vessels in one operation.

00:46The strikes also targeted oil facilities and power infrastructure.

00:51The conflict is now disrupting both military logistics and global trade.

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