Russia has issued a formal warning that its Black Sea waters are no longer safe for navigation, following an escalation in Ukrainian attacks on vessels.

The advisory, published in a weekly bulletin on the Russian Defense Ministry's website, applies to all ships within Russia's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. The warning specifically states that Ukrainian drones and unmanned boats could pose a threat to maritime traffic.

This development comes after Ukraine intensified its assaults on ships operating in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. According to a statement from the Ukrainian General Staff, at least 124 Russia-linked vessels were targeted between July 8 and July 20, including 89 oil tankers.

The number of ships that were actually struck could not be independently verified.