evidence: The number of vessels going dark in the Kerch Strait is the highest since 2020. The strait is a critical component of Russia’s Sea of Azov supply chain connecting to the Black Sea and international trades routes. THE KERCH STRAIT IS A KEY MARITIME PASSAGE BUT IS ALSO HOME TO SHIP-TO-SHIP AREAS. Source: REUTERS / Alamy Stock Photo [...] The Kerch Strait is a critical component of Russia’s Sea of Azov supply chain for several reasons. It connects the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea, which then provides access to international trades routes.