The Azov Sea is located between Russia, the southern part of Ukraine and the Crimean peninsula. This is an important export route for Russian agricultural products and goods supplied to Crimea.
The attacks at sea took place as Ukraine intensified attacks with long-range drones deep into Russian territory, leading to fuel shortages.
Alternative transport routes are being studied and coordinated with relevant agencies and the business community" - the Russian Ministry of Agriculture announced on July 14. The Ministry affirmed that exports will continue.
The situation in the Azov Sea will not affect domestic food supplies or our country's export capacity" - the Russian Ministry of Transport affirmed, adding "goods transportation will be adjusted if necessary".
The Russian Ministry of Transport is also "taking all necessary measures to ensure smooth cargo transportation in the face of increased enemy attacks on the civilian fleet" in the Azov Sea.
According to the Russian Ministry of Transport, if necessary, part of the goods will be redirected to other modes of transport.
On July 14, the commander of the Ukrainian drone force said that Ukraine had attacked "116 ships in the past 9 days", including some oil tankers and cargo ships in the Azov Sea. The purpose of this move is to damage the fleet believed to be the "dark fleet" of Russia and limit Russia's supply of gasoline and oil to Crimea, he said.
