Kerch Strait

Ukrainian drone forces struck over 20 Russian shadow fleet vessels in the Azov Sea and Kerch Strait over 72 hours, hitting at least 19 tankers with FP-2 kamikaze drones. Several ships were set afire, one abandoned, and crew evacuations occurred, with Russia confirming damage to two tankers and injuries to two sailors. The campaign targets Russia's oil export revenues, which fund around 25% of its budget.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Ukrainian attacks near the Kerch Strait aim to degrade Russia’s military operations in Crimea and southern Ukraine. These efforts include strikes on transport routes, fuel infrastructure, air defenses, and expanded drone operations targeting Russian rear assets, forcing Moscow to adjust tactics and logistics.

Ukraine is using new Blyskavka drones to target infrastructure in Crimea, leading to severe fuel shortages and disruptions in ferry services and street lighting. Russian-appointed Crimea governor Sergei Aksyonov announced public fuel sales would cease, prioritizing government agencies.

Anapa's beaches will reopen for swimming on June 1 after a cleanup following an oil spill caused by damaged tankers in the Kerch Strait. Swimming had been banned since thousands of metric tons of heavy fuel oil (mazut) washed ashore.