Ukraine targets Russian oil depots and tankers in drone attacks
Ukraine conducted drone strikes against Russian oil infrastructure, igniting two tankers in the Sea of Azov and hitting depots across multiple regions. The attacks are part of Kyiv's strategy to impose economic pressure on Russia, contributing to widespread fuel shortages affecting over 90 percent of Russian regions.
Ukrainian forces launched coordinated drone operations targeting Russian energy assets, setting ablaze two oil tankers in the Sea of Azov while striking oil depots in the Tver and Stavropol regions. According to regional officials, crews from the burning vessels were evacuated, though one ship remained engulfed in flames. Ukrainian leadership reported additional strikes on fuel storage facilities and pumping stations located deep within Russian territory, including targets hundreds of kilometers from active combat zones.
These operations have intensified an ongoing campaign against Russian energy infrastructure that has created acute fuel supply challenges across the country. Official reports and local media indicate that more than 90 percent of Russian regions have implemented rationing measures or experienced documented shortages of petrol and diesel. Moscow, typically among the world's leading oil producers, has been forced to restrict exports in response to the disruptions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the strikes as "long-range sanctions" designed to pressure Russia toward ending the conflict. He emphasized that continued delays in peace negotiations should bring the consequences of war to Russian territory. Russia's defence ministry claimed to have intercepted 73 Ukrainian drones during the operation, while Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russian forces launched 94 long-range drones and two ballistic missiles, with 19 drones and both missiles causing damage across 13 locations.
The timing of these attacks coincided with diplomatic developments at a NATO summit in Turkey, where U.S. President Donald Trump met with Zelenskyy and announced support for Ukrainian manufacturing of Patriot air defence systems. When questioned about the strikes, Trump indicated tacit approval, suggesting the escalation could facilitate peace negotiations. Russian officials rejected this assessment, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov arguing that military pressure would not yield concessions and warning that further escalation might prolong the conflict.
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