Ukrainian drones batter Russian oil facilities, set more oil tankers ablaze
Ukrainian drones on July 9 hit more Russian oil facilities and set two oil tankers ablaze in the Sea of Azov, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to grant Ukraine a license to manufacture the Patriot air defense systems.
Ukraine’s strikes on oil refineries and other infrastructure across Russia has triggered a widespread fuel crisis with gasoline shortages and fuel rationing reported in multiple regions and drivers waiting for hours to fill their tanks. Russia on July 9 hit out at the U.S. saying Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy sites could help bring about an end to the more than four-year war between Moscow and Kiev.
“We see certain misconceptions within the White House administration — that by escalating military pressure it can help move to a peace settlement. That is a mistaken view ... Further escalation may prolong the special military operation,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Early on July 9, a Ukrainian drone strike triggered a fire at an oil depot in the city of Tver in western Russia, according to acting regional Gov. Vitaly Korolyov.