Russian Official Says Ukrainian Drone Hit Oil Tanker Entering Azov-Black Sea Canal

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Reuters, Rostov Governor Yury Slyusar said a Ukrainian drone struck an oil tanker entering the Azov-Black Sea Canal on Sunday, July 12, sparking a fire on board but causing no casualties and no oil spill. Slyusar said the blaze was brought under control and that the tanker was empty, eliminating spill risk. The report said Ukraine has recently stepped up attacks on Russian logistics and energy infrastructure, and Ukraine’s military has said it has attacked more than 40 Russian oil tankers in the Sea of Azov to disrupt fuel supplies and further isolate Moscow-controlled Crimea. It added that intensified strikes on Crimea’s energy and transport facilities in recent weeks have led to fuel shortages, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency there.