KYIV -- Ukraine launched multiple strikes against Kremlin energy assets, including oil terminals and tankers at sea, reportedly forcing Moscow to halt shipping through a major waterway as Kyiv intensifies what it has labeled its "long-range sanctions" against Russia.Ukraine's General Staff on July 10 said 18 Russian vessels were hit in the Sea of Azov, including at least 10 tankers, three bulk carriers, and an auxiliary vessel, adding that damage assessments were ongoing.It said the ships were used to provide Russia's military logistics and transport fuel, lubricants, military cargo, and other necessary items "to wage its war against Ukraine."
The strikes add to the dozens of Russian vessels hit this week as Kyiv looks to isolate the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia illegally occupied in 2014 and which has been struck by massive energy shortages since Ukraine launched its recent campaign.Reuters quoted two industry sources as saying Russia had temporarily halted shipping through the Don-Azov Channel due to the Ukrainian attacks. No timeframe was given for the action, the sources said.Russian Refineries StruckIn addition, Ukraine's General Staff said it struck the Ilsky refinery in the Krasnodar region, causing one of Russia's largest energy sites in the south of the country to catch fire.
