Ukrainian Drones Hit 20 Russian Vessels, Including 17 Tankers, as Moscow Threatens Stronger Retaliation
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jul 15
Ukrainian Drones Hit 20 Russian Vessels, Including 17 Tankers, as Moscow Threatens Stronger Retaliation
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jul 15
Summary
20 Russian vessels — including 17 oil tankers, two gas tankers and a tugboat — were struck overnight in the Black Sea, Ukraine's drone forces commander said.
Kyiv says the campaign is aimed at damaging Russia's "shadow fleet" and choking fuel supplies to occupied Crimea; the commander said 116 vessels had been hit over the past nine days.
Russia's transport ministry said it may reroute cargo away from the Sea of Azov as attacks on shipping intensify, while Sergei Lavrov called the strikes "acts of terrorism."
Putin vowed retaliatory strikes "several times more powerful," as Ukraine also reported hits on two Russian refineries and Crimea faced rolling power cuts and gasoline restrictions.