Russia Declares Its Waters in the Black Sea Dangerous for Navigation

Russia has declared its exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea dangerous for navigation due to the threat of drone attacks. This decision was made following attacks on vessels associated with the Russian Federation, including tankers and ships entering Russian ports. The warning from the Russian Ministry of Defense mentions a potential threat from drones. The exclusive economic zone covers maritime approaches to key ports, including Novorossiysk. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that from July 8 to July 20, at least 124 vessels linked to Russia were attacked in the Black and Azov Seas, of which 89 were tankers. Russia continues to strike Ukrainian ports in Odesa and Chornomorsk, prompting some shipowners to temporarily suspend calls to Ukrainian ports for loading agricultural products. Ukrainian forces conducted a large-scale attack on Russian maritime logistics on July 15, 2026, hitting 17 oil tankers, two gas carriers, and one tugboat, which was part of Kyiv's strategy to block the export of fuel financed by the Kremlin's military budget.