Ukraine’s drone program has dealt a significant blow to Russia’s grip on the Azov Sea, forcing Moscow to suspend traffic through the key waterway. This development marks a major reversal of fortunes for Russia, as the Azov Sea was previously used as a staging ground for attacks against Ukraine.

Impact on Russian Economy

The suspension of traffic through the Azov Sea is expected to have a significant impact on Russia’s economy, particularly on its grain exports. Russia is the world’s largest grain exporter, and about a quarter of its wheat exports are shipped through the Azov Sea. The closure of the sea could lead to economic losses for Russia, with some estimates suggesting that the losses could climb into billions of dollars.

The Ukrainian campaign in the Azov Sea started as an effort to isolate Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. Ukraine has been targeting Russian vessels attempting to carry fuel to the peninsula, as well as bridges, highways, and railroads to deprive Russia of the ability to transport goods and people through a ‘land bridge’ that connects Crimea to Russia.

International Implications

The situation in the Azov Sea has international implications, with the potential to disrupt global trade. The Sea of Azov is an inland sea that sits between the southern shores of Ukraine and Russia, and it plays a vital role in the Russian economy. The closure of the sea could lead to a shortage of grain and other commodities, which could have a ripple effect on the global economy.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.