In a new blow to the Kremlin's narrative that Moscow is winning the 4-year-old war in Ukraine, Kyiv's forces have targeted fuel supplies to the Crimean Peninsula. That has triggered the worst fuel crisis on the Black Sea peninsula since it was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014. The persistent attacks reflect Ukraine's growing ability to carry out drone strikes and have caught Russia off guard and struggling for a response. The gas shortages are threatening to cause further disruptions to the tourism-dependent region, just as the summer holiday season is getting underway. Ukraine's successes have highlighted its ability to inflict painful damage on Russia and change the course of the war.
Ukrainian forces have struck oil facilities in Russia and occupied Ukraine as part of their campaign to impose economic costs on Moscow. Ukrainian and Russian officials confirmed the attacks on Monday. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy has confirmed that Roman Abramovich acted as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow, delivering messages from Russian President Putin. Russia's Defense Ministry reported shooting down 310 Ukrainian drones overnight. Meanwhile, Ukraine's General Staff said Ukrainian forces targeted Russia's Krasnodar Krai region and Crimea, sparking fires at oil facilities. Russian drone strikes injured civilians in several Ukrainian regions, including Kharkiv and Odesa.
Russia is reporting that it has shot down hundreds of Ukrainian drones in a massive overnight attack across its regions and Crimea. Russia's Defense Ministry says its air defenses downed 389 drones over 13 regions and the Crimean Peninsula. The attack highlights Ukraine's growing long-range drone capability. It follows a Russian barrage on Tuesday that Ukraine says hits civilian areas with almost 1,000 drones and 34 missiles. Ukrainian officials say at least six people died and about 50 were hurt. Regional officials in Russia report fires and power disruptions.
