Ukrainian drone attacks, led by the SBU security agency, targeted fuel depots in Russia's Tambov and Adygea regions early Thursday, resulting in significant fires, according to a Kyiv intelligence source. The strikes aimed to disrupt resources supplied to the Russian military.
In a separate incident, a single Ukrainian kamikaze naval drone damaged four Russian patrol boats last month, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) reported on June 20. Despite Russian defenses, the Magura V5 drone successfully breached and hit the boats in Vuzka Bay, Crimea. Russian forces deployed multiple aircraft in response.
Ukraine has been intensifying drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure to hinder the Kremlin's war efforts. Recent attacks ignited fires at oil depots in Tambov and Adygea, and Russian officials confirmed these incidents.
Meanwhile, Russia renewed aerial assaults on Ukraine's power grid, using missiles and drones. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted all drones and five missiles, but some infrastructure was hit. The ongoing conflict has heavily impacted both nations' energy supplies.
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited North Korea, strengthening ties with Kim Jong Un and signing a mutual-defense pact. Putin later visited Vietnam, receiving a full state-visit treatment. In a regional incident, South Korean soldiers fired warning shots at North Korean troops crossing the demarcation line, marking the second such breach in a week.
The European Union agreed on new sanctions against Russia, aiming to further restrict key technologies and reduce energy revenues. Concurrently, South Korea is contemplating sending arms to Ukraine in response to Russia-North Korea cooperation.