Ukraine steps up drone strikes targeting Russian-linked fuel supplies near Crimea, with multiple reports saying tankers and refineries are hit in waves of attacks. BBC and Sky News report Kyiv strikes against Russian ships near Crimea, describing a large overnight push that they say included up to 12 oil tankers. Bloomberg and other outlets add that Ukrainian forces also hit refineries, with one report citing two Russian refineries. Other coverage points to strikes reaching deeper into Russia’s south, including southern refineries and activity at the Azov port, and notes that Russian officials describe disruptions such as a refinery halting after a drone attack.
Several reports link the campaign to pressure on Russian fuel availability. CNBC says the attacks intensify amid constraints on Russian fuel exports, including a reported Russian diesel export ban. The reported targeting focuses on tankers and shipping connected to fuel transport, including vessels described as part of a “shadow fleet.” The overall picture across outlets is an escalation of maritime and industrial strikes aimed at undermining fuel flows and logistics, including shipments feeding Crimea and other regional demand. Russia disputes some details in its accounts of what is being targeted.
