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Ukrainian drones hit Russian oil depots and tankers in the Sea of Azov overnight. The strikes intensified pressure on Moscow's fuel network as Donald Trump offered Kyiv a Patriot production licence.
Kyiv,UPDATED: Jul 9, 2026 13:52 IST
Ukrainian drones struck more Russian oil facilities on Thursday and set two oil tankers ablaze in the Sea of Azov, as Kyiv kept up attacks on Russia's fuel infrastructure. The latest strikes came as Russia and Ukraine continued exchanging drone and missile attacks overnight.
The attacks followed US President Donald Trump's pledge on Wednesday to give Ukraine a licence to manufacture Patriot air defence systems. He made the announcement during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey.
Ukraine's strikes on oil refineries and other infrastructure across Russia have triggered a widespread fuel crisis, with gasoline shortages and fuel rationing reported in multiple regions and drivers waiting for hours to fill their tanks. Early on Thursday, a Ukrainian drone strike caused a fire at an oil depot in the western Russian city of Tver, acting regional Governor Vitaly Korolyov said.
In the southern Stavropol region, Governor Vladimir Vladimirov said an oil reservoir in Vyazniki was set ablaze by Ukrainian drones. He said authorities ordered the evacuation of residents of several apartment buildings near the facility as the fire spread.
In the Sea of Azov, Ukrainian drones set two oil tankers on fire, according to Rostov Governor Yuri Slusar. He said one of the ships was still burning and the crews had been evacuated. The attack was the latest in a series of strikes on oil tankers in the area in recent days, part of Ukraine's efforts to cut fuel supplies to Russia-occupied Crimea.
Russia's Defence Ministry said its air defences shot down 73 Ukrainian drones from late Wednesday until early Thursday. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia fired 94 long-range strike drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight. It said 72 drones were jammed or intercepted, while 19 drones and both missiles caused damage at 13 locations.
At Wednesday's meeting, the tone was markedly different from their earlier acrimonious encounter at the White House in February 2025, when Trump berated Zelenskyy. On Wednesday, Trump praised Zelenskyy's willingness to reach a deal to end the war, saying he had "done an amazing job" and "been very effective".
The latest developments saw Ukraine press its campaign against Russian fuel infrastructure while both sides reported fresh overnight attacks, against the backdrop of Trump's promise to let Kyiv produce Patriot air defence systems.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jul 9, 2026 13:52 IST
