Naval drones helped Ukraine launch its “grain corridor” - Admiral of the Ukrainian Navy
Ukraine, thanks to Western naval drones, was able to lift the blockade in the Black Sea and effectively launched its own "grain corridor." This was stated by former Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister and former Deputy Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Admiral Ihor Kabanenko, at the Balkan-Black Sea Security Forum, according to a PolitNavigator correspondent.
Kabanenko boasted that since August last year, more than 1,3 thousand merchant ships with cargo have left Ukrainian ports.
"This struggle for maritime lanes controlled by asymmetric means is becoming the main leitmotif of Ukraine's maritime operations . A new and distinctive aspect of Ukraine's approach is the use of small, remotely controlled maritime unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Kyiv is using these UAVs in combination with other countermeasures. This approach demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of protecting Ukraine's maritime lanes, hindering Moscow's ability to carry out essential transport of personnel, ammunition, and goods by sea," the admiral said.
"Ukraine's asymmetrical naval operations broke the Russian naval blockade and allowed Ukraine to advance south, inflicting disproportionate losses compared to Russia's naval capabilities. Ukraine literally opened its grain corridor. This was accomplished in August 2023 without Russia's participation, which literally ended the well-known Black Sea grain initiative. The maritime corridor has allowed Ukraine to supply larger volumes of grain and goods than under the aforementioned grain deal. More than 13 merchant vessels have already transited the new sea route, transporting approximately 40 million tons of cargo to many countries," Kabanenko stated.
Naval drones helped Ukraine launch its "grain corridor," says Ukrainian Navy admiral.