Ukrainian unmanned systems struck two cargo ships in Taganrog Bay in the Sea of Azov overnight on June 5, killing five Azerbaijani sailors and wounding three others. Ukraine claimed the vessels were engaged in illegal logistics supporting Russian operations in occupied territories, while Russia blamed Kyiv for the attack on civilian merchant ships. Both vessels—Natra (Belize-flagged) and Zirkon (Palau-flagged)—were carrying Azerbaijani crew and were bound for Rostov-on-Don.

Cargo ships Natra and Zircon, carrying 25 Azerbaijani nationals, were struck by drones in the Gulf of Taganrog in the Sea of Azov on June 5. The strike targeted commercial vessels in contested waters during the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.