Ukraine has launched a significant drone offensive targeting Russia's maritime and energy infrastructure, claiming strikes on 21 vessels over three days. This escalation is part of Ukraine's strategy to disrupt Russia's fuel supplies, particularly as attacks on major refineries have intensified. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with former President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in Ankara, where discussions included a potential drone agreement and the production of Patriot air-defense interceptors in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy emphasized air defense as a priority and noted that Ukraine's drone capabilities are increasingly threatening Russian assets beyond the front lines. The offensive has reportedly forced Russia to defend various infrastructures, including refineries and shipping routes, which were previously insulated from conflict.
On Tuesday, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces reported that nine Russian-linked vessels were struck in the Sea of Azov, contributing to the total of 21 targeted vessels. The strikes included oil tankers and a ferry near Crimea, as well as attacks on refineries in Saratov and other regions. Ukrainian officials stated that many of the vessels were part of Russia's shadow fleet, used for transporting fuel to Crimea.
The latest wave of attacks follows a strike on the Omsk refinery, Russia's largest, which has since halted oil processing. In response to fuel shortages exacerbated by these attacks, Russia announced a temporary ban on diesel exports through July 31. Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT, acknowledged the hardships faced by Russians due to fuel shortages and urged calm among the population.
As Ukraine continues its drone strikes, Russia has maintained its bombardment of Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, during the NATO summit.