Reports from pro-Ukraine fighters within Russia suggest that Kremlin military leaders are planning to equip their covert fleet ships with anti-aircraft troops to defend against potential attacks. Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces have successfully targeted 147 Russian vessels in the Black and Azov Seas between July 6 and July 16, with an additional six ships hit recently.

The “Atesh” group, supporting Ukraine, has disclosed that Russia intends to deploy at least three anti-missile soldiers on the vessels that are violating sanctions. This decision follows a recent incident where British Royal Marines seized a Russian shadow vessel in the English Channel. The presence of troops on these ships could pose risks for elite forces attempting to board them in future operations.

The Atesh faction stated, “Ukraine’s Defense Forces have enforced ‘physical sanctions’ on over 136 Russian tankers within Ukraine’s exclusive economic zone in just 10 days, causing concern among Russian officials.” Russia plans to assign personnel from the Rubicon UAV Center, the 51st Air Defense Division, and the 1096th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment to these vessels.

Each tanker is expected to carry up to three servicemen equipped with twin machine guns, MANPADS, and anti-drone weaponry. This strategic shift comes as Ukraine intensifies drone attacks on Russian logistics routes, targeting oil and gas facilities up to 1,000 miles across the border, resulting in significant financial losses for the Kremlin and impacting President Vladimir Putin’s war efforts.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine faces criticism for dismissing popular defense minister Mykhailo Federov, leading to protests in Kyiv and other cities. Federov’s supporters believe he played a crucial role in Ukraine’s military achievements by combating corruption and enhancing frontline performance through data analysis.

Following Federov’s dismissal, Maj-Gen Yevhenii Khmara, the acting head of the Security Service, has been proposed as the interim defense minister. Zelensky highlighted Khmara’s extensive experience in technological combat operations, amid speculation that tensions between Federov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi contributed to Federov’s departure.

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