The Ukrainian military's attack has forced the closure of key waterways, putting Russia in a "Hormuz Strait-like" crisis

Russia's control over its access to the Black Sea is weakening. This week, a series of attacks launched by Ukraine forced Moscow to suspend shipping in this crucial waterway, thereby limiting the Kremlin's ability to conduct trade with the rest of the world.

CNN reported that this development marks a significant reversal in Russia's situation.

For many years, the Azov Sea has been outside the control of Kyiv. It not only provided a convenient assembly area for Russia to launch attacks on Ukraine, but also connected the vast southern region of Russia with the world's oceans.

However, the advancement of Ukraine's drone technology has changed this situation.

Ukrainian drone unit commander Robert Brovdi told CNN on Wednesday (July 15th) that Kiev had targeted 116 Russian ships in the Sea of Azov in just nine days, a significant increase in the number.

Previously, the strikes against Russian vessels were mainly carried out by "shadow fleets" and military vessels. Although CNN was unable to independently verify Brovdy's claims, the recent video footage shared by Ukrainian officials showed that all these attacks directly hit their targets.

This continuous attack forced Russia to suspend shipping in the Sea of Azov and close the key passages at both ends of the sea.

The Black Sea and the Sea of Azov are crucial waterways connecting to Russia and Ukraine. The Black Sea borders Ukraine to the north and Russia to the northeast, serving as an important trade route for oil and other commodities. The Sea of Azov is connected to the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait.

Ukraine's efforts in combating the "shadow tanker" fleet of Russian ships transporting sanctioned fuels have been increasingly effective. However, the blockade of the Sea of Azov could have broader implications, affecting exports of non-sanctioned goods such as wheat or sunflower oil.

The conflict monitoring organization "Institute for War and Peace" based in the United States stated on Tuesday that the Ukrainian offensive in the Sea of Azov marks a new stage in Ukraine's efforts to sever the connection between the occupied Crimea and Russia's logistical network, and to disrupt Russian maritime shipping routes, especially for the transportation of oil products and grains.