A major drone attack in the Sea of Azov has left five merchant sailors dead after two commercial cargo vessels were struck during overnight operations near Russia's southern coastline. Azerbaijan confirmed that four of its nationals were among those killed, while several others were injured. The vessels, identified as the Natra and Zircon, were operating with multinational civilian crews when the attack occurred. The incident highlights how the Russia-Ukraine conflict is increasingly affecting civilian maritime traffic, with merchant sailors now finding themselves exposed to dangers once largely confined to military targets.