Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Ukrainian drones target Russian ships in Black Sea
Ukraine has a special drone team called Magyar’s Birds that is attacking Russian ships in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
They are doing this to make it harder for Russia to control Crimea and to help Ukraine in the war.
The drones are launched from fields in southern Ukraine and are controlled by pilots who are far away.
The team has hit many ships and other targets, which has caused problems for Russia.
Russia is also attacking Ukrainian ports and ships, which is making it difficult for Ukraine to export goods.
Both sides are trying to gain an advantage in the war.
Ukrainian drone unit Magyar’s Birds is targeting Russian ships in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
The attacks aim to raise the cost for Russia of occupying Crimea and to pressure Russian forces.
Over 180 vessels and other sea-borne targets have been hit in the past three weeks.
Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports and international cargo ships.
Ukraine's agricultural exports, a major source of foreign currency, are being affected by the attacks.
- Who
- Ukrainian drone unit Magyar’s Birds and Russian forces
- What
- Ukrainian drones targeting Russian ships in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov
- When
- Ongoing, with recent escalation in July
- Where
- Southern Ukraine, Sea of Azov, Black Sea, Crimea
- Why
- To raise the cost for Russia of occupying Crimea and to pressure Russian forces by starving them of resources
Ukrainian Perspective
Russian Perspective
Objective of Attacks
Ukrainian Perspective
Ukraine aims to raise the cost for Russia of occupying Crimea and to swing the initiative towards Kyiv in the war.
Russian Perspective
Russia claims its attacks are aimed at infrastructure storing military cargo and fuel.
Impact on Shipping
Ukrainian Perspective
Ukrainian drone forces have reportedly hit about six vessels per day, choking Russian shipping through the Sea of Azov.
Russian Perspective
Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports and international cargo ships, causing logistics headaches for traders.
- Location
- Southern Ukraine
- Unit Name
- Magyar’s Birds
- Commander
- Robert 'Magyar' Brovdi
- Campaign Name
- Molochko
- Targets Hit
- Over 180 vessels and other sea-borne targets
- Russian Attacks on Ports
- 23 times in the first two weeks of July
- Russian Attacks on Civilian Vessels
- 17 times in the first two weeks of July
- Ukrainian Agricultural Exports
- More than 90% shipped from ports in the Odesa region