On July 14 2026 Ukraine sent drones at 11 Russian ships in the Sea of Azov. A series of strikes followed repeated similar attacks on vessels. Russia shut the shipping lanes fast and called the strikes acts of terror. Kyiv reported it hit more than 100 ships in eight days, with most sunk. Key export paths are now blocked for traders. Major outlets and Al Jazeera say new route talks are already under way. Moscow warned it will respond but Ukraine continued strikes on Azov ships that day.