Russia is scrambling to shift its grain export routes away from the Sea of Azov after a series of Ukrainian drone strikes crippled more than a hundred vessels in just over a week. The move, announced Tuesday by Russia's Ministry of Agriculture, signals a tactical shift in a conflict that increasingly targets the economic arteries of war. Main Developments Ukrainian military commander Robert Brovdi reported that drone attacks hit 11 Russian vessels overnight, including five tankers, five dry cargo ships, and a tugboat. That strike brought the total number of vessels hit in the past nine days to 116, according to Brovdi's Telegram post on Tuesday. Russia's Ministry of Agriculture said it is preparing alternative shipping routes and may redirect cargo to other modes of transport. The ministry insisted the situation will not affect domestic food supply or export capabilities. Read also: La Liga Reshuffles Barcelona, Real Madrid Openers for World Cup Stars Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov condemned the strikes as "acts of terrorism," arguing that the attacks serve no strategic benefit except to cause damage and intimidate. Lavrov contrasted the strikes with piracy, noting pirates at least keep the spoils for themselves. Background The Sea of Azov strikes are part of a broader Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure. Moscow has already banned some fuel exports amid a global surge in energy prices, triggered in part by these sustained attacks. Russia's Defence Ministry said its air defences intercepted 288 Ukrainian drones across the country overnight. Falling debris injured one person and damaged houses in several villages, while one strike sparked a fire at the Afipsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region. Ukraine also struck another oil refinery in the republic of Bashkortostan, which had been hit twice previously in September 2025. Governor Radiy Khabirov confirmed the attack hit an industrial area in the city of Salavat. Why It Matters The rerouting of grain exports from the Sea of Azov threatens to disrupt a key supply chain for global food markets. Ukraine's targeting of vessels and refineries simultaneously pressures Russia's ability to sustain its war effort while fueling domestic inflation and energy shortages. Russia's Defence Ministry retaliated by striking targets in Kyiv, port infrastructure in Ukraine's Odesa region, and fuel storage facilities in the port of Yuzhny. Ukrainian navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk said Russian forces struck a civilian vessel near Odesa, with no casualties reported. What's Next Russia is expected to implement its alternative shipping routes and could shift more cargo to rail or road transport. Moscow has not specified a timeline for the rerouting, but the accumulation of vessel losses suggests urgent action is needed. Ukraine shows no sign of slowing its drone campaign, having shot down seven missiles and 108 drones across the country overnight. The question remains whether Russia can protect its maritime and energy infrastructure long enough to prevent a full-blown fuel crisis from spreading beyond its borders.