Ukraine escalates Sea of Azov campaign, forcing Russia to suspend canal and strait shipping
Ukraine’s campaign against Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov has added 28 ships in a week (76 total), prompting Russia to suspend traffic on the Azov-Don Canal and the Kerch Strait. The disruption threatens Russia’s wheat exports (reported up to a quarter of shipments) and has driven wheat prices higher by about 4%. Attacks damage vessels without sinking them, creating a cumulative effect over time, while the broader Ukraine conflict and related commentary appear alongside the report.