Russia considers arming commercial grain vessels in Sea of Azov against drone threats

Russian authorities are evaluating a proposal to equip cargo ships with machine guns and mobile missile launchers, alongside military personnel escorts, to mitigate Ukrainian drone threats in the Sea of Azov. The plan involves armed personnel boarding vessels for the initial transit phase and disembarking after passing the Kerch Strait, shifting the financial burden of security to ship owners. This represents a significant militarization of commercial maritime logistics in the conflict zone.