Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to sever Ukraine’s access to the sea following Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian tankers in the Black Sea. In a televised address, Putin said the best solution would be to isolate Ukraine from the sea to stop what he called 'Ukrainian piracy.' He also warned of intensified strikes on Ukrainian ports, ships, and infrastructure, and possible actions against tankers belonging to countries aiding Ukraine. The warning came after Ukrainian naval drones reportedly hit two Russian tankers heading to load oil for export. Ukraine also launched missile and drone strikes on Russia’s Novorossiysk port, disrupting oil supplies. While Putin did not elaborate on how he would enforce a maritime blockade, analysts see the threat as an escalation in the ongoing conflict that began in February 2022. Despite Russia’s occupation of parts of southern and eastern Ukraine, Kyiv still controls key ports like Odesa.