In a significant escalation of hostilities, three Russian oil tankers have been struck by drones while unloading crude oil at a coastal terminal. The attack comes on the heels of Russia's most intense aerial bombardment of Ukraine this year, which killed at least four people in Kharkiv and crippled parts of the country's energy grid.
Major Strikes Target Ukrainian Cities and Russian Energy Infrastructure
The overnight assault on Ukraine saw major strikes target the capital, Kyiv, and the northeastern city of Kharkiv. At least four people were killed in Kharkiv during what has been described as a massive Russian air assault. The bombardment inflicted severe damage on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure, leaving many areas without power.
In a retaliatory move or a coordinated effort, sources confirm that three oil tankers were hit in a drone attack at a terminal on Russia's own coast. The vessels were reportedly unloading crude oil when they were struck, marking a bold strike against Russian energy logistics.
International Response and Policy Shifts
The conflict continues to prompt strong international reactions. Estonia has announced it will ban 261 Russian combatants who fought in the war against Ukraine from entering the country, tightening sanctions on individuals involved in the aggression.
Meanwhile, a significant policy development is underway in the United Kingdom. A government source has told The Times that the UK is actively assessing plans to use oil seized from Russia's so-called 'shadow fleet' vessels. The proceeds from this seized oil would be directed to fund Ukraine's war effort, creating a novel mechanism to support Kyiv using Russian assets.
Political Turmoil in Kyiv
Amid the external pressure, Ukrainian politics has seen internal debate. President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal to name outgoing defence minister Denys Shmyhal as the new energy minister has been rejected by lawmakers. The parliamentary vote against Shmyhal's appointment highlights the ongoing political challenges within Ukraine as it manages a full-scale war.
The events of the past 24 hours underscore the conflict's dangerous and expanding nature, with attacks now directly targeting energy infrastructure on both sides and Western nations devising new financial strategies to sustain Ukraine's defence.
