AI Generated Image
Ukraine escalates attacks on tankers as Russian fuel shortages bite
CNBC • • general
Key Points:
- Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on Russian fuel tankers in the Sea of Azov to disrupt supplies to occupied Crimea amid nationwide gasoline shortages caused by previous strikes.
- Ukrainian drone commander Robert Brovdi reported 14 Russian ships were hit on Thursday evening, totaling 35 struck in the past 96 hours, though this could not be independently verified.
- These drone strikes aim to choke off supply and transportation routes to Crimea, seized by Russia in 2014, by targeting the strategically important Sea of Azov.
- Defense experts view Ukraine's drone campaign as crucial in slowing Russian military advances but caution it significantly raises the risk of escalation.
- Ukraine has also targeted major Russian oil refineries in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg to further cut off Russia's energy revenues.
