Ukrainian drones hit 19 Russian "ghost fleet" tankers in 72 hours, Kyiv says

Ukrainian drones have successfully targeted 19 oil tankers and one cargo ship belonging to Russia's "ghost fleet" within a 72-hour period, aiming to disrupt Moscow's ability to circumvent sanctions on its hydrocarbon exports. The commander of Ukraine's drone forces, identified by his Hungarian origins as 'Magiar,' reported the strikes on Wednesday.

In addition to the vessels, the attacks extended to a ferry operating between occupied Crimea and the Russian Federation, which was hit near Kerch in eastern Crimea. Nine of the targeted oil tankers sustained damage in the Sea of Azov, a body of water bordered by Russia, occupied Ukraine, and the Crimean peninsula.

'Magiar' also detailed previous strikes in the same Sea of Azov, which had hit a dozen oil tankers and the ferry that are now included in the overall three-day tally. The Ukrainian military official's assessment on Wednesday included reports of bombardments against six electrical substations in Crimea. He estimated that approximately fifty energy infrastructure sites on the peninsula have been struck so far in July.

Beyond the maritime and energy targets, Ukrainian drone forces reportedly struck 53 unspecified military objectives in Crimea and occupied continental Ukraine between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. These coordinated attacks have led to prolonged power outages in Crimea and fuel shortages, impacting refineries, ships, and oil storage facilities. Kyiv's campaign seeks to isolate Russian forces stationed in the strategically important peninsula and surrounding occupied southern Ukrainian territories.

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Ukrainian drones have reached 19 oil tankers and one cargo ship of the so-called "ghost fleet" that Russia uses to circumvent sanctions on its hydrocarbons and export products from occupied territories of Ukraine.