Russia Establishes Headquarters for Shipping in the Azov-Black Sea Basin
The Ministry of Transport coordinates alternative logistics routes, as Moscow is shaken by an explosion with three dead and accusations against Ukraine.
The Ministry of Transport coordinates alternative logistics routes, as Moscow is shaken by an explosion with three dead and accusations against Ukraine.
Russia's Ministry of Transport has established a special headquarters to coordinate shipping in the Azov-Black Sea basin, the ministry's press service announced on Monday, August 3, 2026. The decision was made in the context of a tense security situation caused by drone attacks on sea vessels in the Sea of Azov.
"Due to the current tense situation in the Sea of Azov caused by enemy drone attacks on sea vessels, the Russian Ministry of Transport is taking all necessary measures to ensure cargo logistics in the Azov-Black Sea basin. A special headquarters for coordinating transportation has been established," the statement, carried by the Russian state agency TASS, said.
The newly established headquarters is focused on setting up alternative logistics routes and diverting cargo flows to other modes of transport. "The headquarters is working on establishing alternative logistics routes and diverting cargo flows to other modes of transport," the ministry's press service added in a statement to TASS.
The measure comes in response to increasingly frequent drone attacks that threaten maritime traffic in this strategically important region, crucial for Russian exports and supplies.
On the same day, Moscow was shaken by a powerful explosion near the Italian restaurant Balzi Rossi on Kudrinskaya Square. According to Russian state media, at least three people were killed and 21 injured in the attack. Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee claims that a woman with an improvised explosive device tried to enter the restaurant, but a security guard stopped her, after which the device detonated.
Some Russian media speculate that the woman may have been working as a delivery driver and was unaware of the contents of a package intended for one of the guests. Unconfirmed claims soon emerged that a high-ranking Russian military commander was at a private dinner at the restaurant, but there is no official confirmation.
The Kremlin has not officially commented on the attack, but the Russian Embassy in Italy on Sunday accused Ukraine of the explosion. In a statement, the embassy said the attackers wanted to intimidate Italians working in Russia, but no evidence was provided for these claims. Ukrainian responsibility for the incident has not been independently confirmed.
The attack received very little coverage in Russian state television programs. The morning news on the Russia-1 channel did not mention the explosion, instead focusing on Russian strikes on Ukraine, Russian Airborne Forces Day, and news about Donald Trump and Iran.
There is a sense of unease among Moscow residents. Witness Aleksandra, who was walking her dog nearby at the time of the detonation, told the BBC she heard a loud bang and immediately realized what it was. Another resident, Galina, in an interview with the BBC, blamed the United Kingdom for the attack due to its support for Ukraine.
