NewsWorld newsRussia Ukraine warAs Ukraine has stepped up its attacks on the Kremlin's shadow fleet oil vessels and energy depots throughout Russia, Putin has ordered devastating missile responses - but he is running out of missiles13:52, 20 Jul 2026Updated 14:30, 20 Jul 2026Ukraine has launched devastating waves of drone attacks on Moscow overnight in revenge for the biggest Kremlin ballistic missile attack on Kyiv since war began.‌It also targeted three oil depots and a fuel storage facility in Russia’s Stavropol region this morning and Kyiv also hit three Russian ‘shadow fleet’ oil tankers in the Black Sea. A further four Russian ships were hit in both the Azov and Black Sea as Kyiv steps up its bid to expose Russia’s defence vulnerabilities in the war and deplete its ability to fund it.‌Targets in occupied Crimea also came under attack as Ukraine struck seven electricity infrastructure sites across the invaded peninsula. Kyiv’s intelligence assessments conclude that Ukraine has in the past 12 days hit 160 of the Kremlin’s shadow fleet vessels, crippling Moscow’s warchest. Attacks on Moscow included more than 400 kamikaze drones on the region surrounding Moscow, setting off blazes at logistics hubs, an oil depot and residential homes.‌Russia's ballistic missile blitzIt followed a major Russian ballistic missile blitz on Kyiv and other cities throughout Ukraine on Sunday, killing at least six and injuring close to 20 other victims. Although Ukraine has hit hard back at Moscow, Kyiv is in desperate need of Patriot defence systems which could intercept the Kremlin’s ballistic missiles.Moscow has stepped up its use of ballistic missiles as it seeks to battle against Ukrainian strikes on oil facilities deep inside Russia that have caused critical fuel shortages affecting both the military and the civilian population. Donald Trump has said he is prepared to grant Ukraine licenses to produce Patriots, the most effective means of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, potentially bolstering Kyiv’s defenses.‌'Kyiv has very limited ability to defend'But the problem with that is that it could take years for the production of Patriots inside Ukraine and Kyiv needs the defences now. One security source told the Mirror: “Strikes between Moscow and Kyiv are increasing as both sides are trying to gain the upper hand and appear the most potent.“Ukraine has blitzed Moscow’s ability to pay for the war in recent months with repeated attacks on the Kremlin’s oil refineries, gas depots and logistics hubs. That is having a very real and damaging effect on the Kremlin’s economy and supply chains to frontline troops. But Russian President Vladimir Putin knows ballistic attacks on Ukraine are devastating as Kyiv has very limited ability to defend against them.”Article continues belowUkrainian cities are coming under increasing attacks throughout, with at least 28 people killed in the country’s southern Odesa region throughout July so far. Odesa in particular has under fire often as much as 15 times in just one day, with sirens blaring and sending civilians fleeing for underground shelters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the raid on Kyiv was "one of the most massive ballistic attacks" since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in 2022.But it shows Russia is becoming desperate as it has fired more ballistic missiles in 19 days than It produces in a month- as it makes around 100 in 20 days With 107 ballistic missiles launched in less than three weeks, Russia has already exceeded that estimated monthly production capacity.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Vladimir PutinUkraineVolodymyr ZelenskyRussiaRussia Ukraine war