Ukrainian drones struck additional Russian oil facilities and set two oil tankers ablaze in the Sea of Azov on Thursday, according to reports. This escalation follows President Trump's pledge a day earlier to grant Ukraine a license for manufacturing Patriot air defense systems.
These strikes on Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure have contributed to a significant fuel crisis within Russia, with reports of gasoline shortages and rationing across multiple regions. Drivers have faced extended wait times at fueling stations.
On Thursday morning, a drone attack at an oil depot in Tver, western Russia, ignited a fire, confirmed acting regional Governor Vitaly Korolyov. In the southern Stavropol region, Governor Vladimir Vladimirov stated that Ukrainian drones also set oil reservoirs ablaze in Vyazniki, prompting authorities to evacuate residents from nearby apartment buildings.
In the Sea of Azov, two oil tankers were set alight by Ukrainian drones, as reported by Rostov Governor Yuri Slusar. One vessel remained ablaze, and its crew was evacuated. These attacks are part of ongoing Ukrainian efforts to disrupt fuel supplies to Russian-occupied Crimea.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its air defenses intercepted 73 Ukrainian drones between late Wednesday and early Thursday. Simultaneously, Ukraine's Air Force stated that Russia launched 94 long-range strike drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight. Ukraine reported that 72 of the drones were jammed or intercepted, while 19 drones and both missiles caused damage at 13 locations.
The security developments occurred shortly after a meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey. During this meeting, President Trump announced the U.S. would provide Ukraine with a license to produce Patriot air defense systems, a significant development for Kyiv, which has long sought this technology. This diplomatic engagement marked a different tone from a previous contentious meeting between the two leaders in February 2025. President Trump commended Zelensky's efforts in seeking a resolution to the ongoing conflict.