Ukraine Says Drone Strikes Hit 21 Russian Oil Tankers as Russia Launches Fresh Missile Barrage

Ukraine said its military damaged 21 Russian tankers carrying crude oil and petroleum products during overnight drone strikes in the Sea of Azov, marking one of Kyiv's most significant attacks on Russia's energy transport infrastructure since the war began.

According to Ukraine's General Staff, the operation also damaged four tugboats, two cargo ships, and a dredging vessel. The strikes are part of Ukraine's broader campaign to disrupt Russia's fuel supply chain by targeting refineries, fuel depots, and energy logistics that support Moscow's military operations. Ukrainian officials argue these attacks have already contributed to fuel shortages in parts of Russia.

Russia, however, disputed Kyiv's account, saying only four vessels were attacked. Regional authorities reported that one person was killed during the Ukrainian drone assault.

The attacks came as Russia launched another large-scale missile and drone strike across Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian officials said at least six people, including a child, were killed, while 29 others were injured.

In the northeastern Sumy region, regional governor Oleh Hryhorov said two Russian glide bombs struck a crowded civilian area, killing four people, including a child.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia fired 12 missiles, including six ballistic missiles, along with 121 drones. Ukraine's air defense forces said they intercepted or electronically jammed 111 drones and two missiles. Despite those efforts, direct strikes were recorded at 11 locations, highlighting Ukraine's continued challenges in defending against ballistic missile attacks.

Russia's Defense Ministry said its overnight strikes targeted Ukrainian drone production facilities in Kyiv and port infrastructure in the Odesa region, including the ports of Izmail and Chornomorsk.

Moscow also claimed its air defense systems intercepted 178 Ukrainian drones across eight Russian regions, as well as over Russian-occupied Crimea and the Black and Azov seas.

The latest exchange of attacks underscores the escalating aerial conflict between the two countries, with both sides increasingly targeting energy infrastructure, military facilities, and strategic logistics as the war continues.