Pro-Ukraine operatives within Russia have alleged that Kremlin military leaders are planning to outfit their “shadow fleet” vessels with anti-aircraft troops to protect them from potential attacks. Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) have reportedly targeted 147 Russian ships in the Black and Azov Seas from July 6 to July 16, with an additional six ships struck recently.
According to sources assisting Ukraine known as the “Atesh,” Russia intends to deploy at least three anti-missile soldiers on the sanctioned vessels to counter recent actions taken by Ukraine. This decision comes after a British Royal Marine operation seized a Russian shadow vessel in the English Channel. The presence of troops on these vessels could complicate future operations for elite forces attempting to intercept them.
The “Atesh” group stated, “The command’s panic is evident. Within a span of 10 days, Ukraine’s Defense Forces have enforced ‘physical sanctions’ on over 136 Russian tankers illegally operating in Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone.” The plan involves personnel from the Rubicon UAV Center, the 51st Air Defense Division, and the 1096th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment boarding each tanker, equipped with twin machine guns, MANPADS, and anti-drone weaponry.
Ukraine has been targeting Russian logistics lines with drone attacks, impacting oil and gas installations in Russia up to 1,000 miles away. These strikes have significantly reduced revenue for the Kremlin, affecting President Vladimir Putin’s ability to sustain the conflict. However, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing internal pressure following the dismissal of popular defense minister Mykhailo Federov, leading to protests in various Ukrainian cities.
Federov, credited with many of Ukraine’s military achievements, was removed from his position amid speculation of a fallout with a key aide. Acting swiftly, Zelensky appointed Maj-Gen Yevhenii Khmara as the acting defense minister, emphasizing Khmara’s experience in technological combat operations. The decision to replace Federov was fueled by tensions between him and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, a situation confirmed by both Federov and Zelensky.