Ukrainian drones hit Russian oil facilities and set two oil tankers ablaze in the Sea of Azov on Thursday. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems to protect its cities.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes

The drone strikes on oil refineries and other infrastructure across Russia have triggered a widespread fuel crisis, with gasoline shortages and rationing in multiple regions. Moscow has responded by intensifying its bombardment on Kyiv and other cities, exposing Ukraine’s vulnerability to ballistic missile strikes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the latest strikes on Russia’s infrastructure as part of Kyiv’s campaign of “long-range sanctions” carried out in response to Moscow’s refusal to halt the fighting. “We have long proposed that Russia end this war, and every day of delay should bring the feeling of war to where it all began — to Russia,” Zelenskyy said.

Russia’s Response

Russia’s Defense Ministry said its defenses downed 73 Ukrainian drones from late Wednesday into early Thursday. Ukraine’s air force said Russia fired 94 long-range strike drones and two ballistic missiles. While 72 drones were jammed or intercepted, 19 drones and both missiles damaged 13 locations, it said.

The Kremlin said the license deal reflected what it called Washington’s “ambivalence” but noted it appreciated Trump’s efforts to help broker a peace deal to end the war, which Russia launched over four years ago.

Original reporting: WTVQ (Lexington) — read the source article.