Ukrainian Drones Ignite Tensions: Oil Tankers Set Ablaze in the Sea of Azov

Ukrainian drones have intensified their attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, igniting two oil tankers in the Sea of Azov and causing widespread fuel shortages across Russia. This escalation follows a commitment from US President Donald Trump to provide Ukraine with a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems. As tensions rise, both nations continue to engage in a fierce conflict, with significant implications for the region's stability. Discover the latest developments in this ongoing situation and its impact on international relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:32 IST

Escalating Attacks on Russian Oil Infrastructure

Kyiv: On Thursday, Ukrainian drones targeted additional Russian oil facilities, igniting two oil tankers in the Sea of Azov. This attack follows a recent commitment from US President Donald Trump to provide Ukraine with a license for manufacturing Patriot air defense systems.

The Ukrainian offensive on Russian oil refineries and related infrastructure has led to a significant fuel crisis, with reports of gasoline shortages and fuel rationing across various regions, causing long waits for drivers at gas stations.

In the early hours of Thursday, a drone strike from Ukraine caused a fire at an oil depot located in Tver, western Russia, as reported by acting regional Governor Vitaly Korolyov.

In the Stavropol region, Governor Vladimir Vladimirov confirmed that Ukrainian drones set an oil reservoir ablaze in Vyazniki, prompting the evacuation of residents from nearby apartment buildings due to the spreading fire.

Ukrainian drones also targeted two oil tankers in the Sea of Azov, according to Rostov Governor Yuri Slusar, who noted that one vessel continued to burn while the crew was evacuated. This incident is part of Ukraine's ongoing strategy to disrupt fuel supplies to Crimea, which is under Russian control.

The Russian Defence Ministry reported that their air defenses intercepted 73 Ukrainian drones from late Wednesday to early Thursday.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Air Force stated that Russia launched 94 long-range strike drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine the previous night. Of these, 72 drones were either jammed or intercepted, while 19 drones and both missiles caused damage at 13 different sites.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the US would grant a license for the production of Patriot air defense systems, a significant development for Kyiv, which has long sought this technology to defend against Russian missile attacks.

The atmosphere of their meeting contrasted sharply with a previous encounter in February 2025, where Trump had criticized Zelenskyy. On this occasion, he commended the Ukrainian leader for his efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict, stating that Zelenskyy has "done an amazing job" and has been "very effective."