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Zelensky: 'Two oil tankers of the Russian shadow fleet and four merchant ships hit in the Black Sea'
Italy🏛️ PoliticsLean Progressive12 days ago

Zelensky: 'Two oil tankers of the Russian shadow fleet and four merchant ships hit in the Black Sea'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media that two shadow fleet oil tankers and four merchant ships were targeted in the Black Sea by Ukrainian forces using drones and missiles. The attacks occurred over 400 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. In response, Russian authorities confirmed an attack on a civilian oil tanker at the Novorossiysk port terminal, which was hit by drones. The incident resulted in the evacuation of most of the international crew, though there were no fuel leaks or fires. Moscow also reported that over 400 Ukrainian drones targeted the capital region overnight, with 85 intercepted before reaching the city. Some reports suggest that some drones may have reached the area. Additionally, explosions and fires were reported at a petroleum depot in Podolsk and a warehouse belonging to Wildberries. Russian state media noted that six people, including three foreigners, were hospitalized with injuries possibly linked to the drone strikes.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media that Ukrainian forces had struck two oil tankers belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet and four merchant ships in the Black Sea. The attack, according to Zelensky, targeted infrastructure and a fuel depot located more than 400 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. He thanked operators of remotely piloted systems, intelligence services, missile and artillery forces, and special operations units for their roles in the operation. The strikes reportedly took place in the region near Moscow, with additional attacks targeting the Russian port city of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea. The Russian Consorzio del Gasdotto del Caspio confirmed through the Tass news agency that a civilian oil tanker named Nelsa was attacked at the maritime terminal in Novorossiysk on July 20, 2026. According to the statement, the drone strike occurred while the vessel was loading at the Vpu-1 unit. Twenty-two international crew members were evacuated, except for the captain and his first officer. There were no reports of fuel leaks or fires in the ship's tanks. The external fire on the vessel was extinguished within hours, and the ship remained afloat. The company had resumed oil loading operations on the evening of July 19 after a previous attack on its terminal but had to halt activities again following this incident. In addition to the attacks on the Black Sea, Moscow reported that over 400 drones launched by Ukraine targeted the capital region during the night. According to the mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, these drones arrived between 8:30 PM on July 19 and 5 AM on July 20. Of the 400 drones, 85 were intercepted as they approached Moscow. However, some reports indicated that certain drones might have reached areas near the capital. The Tass news agency noted that six individuals, including three foreign citizens, were hospitalized in Domodedovo with injuries from explosions, though it was unclear whether these injuries were linked to the drone attacks. Russian authorities also reported multiple incidents of damage in the Moscow region. A fuel storage facility in Podolsk came under attack, resulting in several fires. Online videos showed flames engulfing a warehouse owned by the Wildberries company, which had been evacuated as a precaution. Meanwhile, the Crimean Wind monitoring group reported that multiple drones hit occupied Crimea during the night, causing explosions in various locations across the peninsula. One such explosion damaged an electrical substation near Alushta, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend traffic on the Crimean Bridge. This follows another recent drone attack that disrupted logistics on a key artery in occupied Crimea. Kiev itself faced a major assault overnight, with over 40 ballistic missiles and hypersonic weapons alongside 120 attack drones striking the city. According to Ukrainian officials, the attack lasted approximately five hours and resulted in at least one death and numerous injuries. Residential buildings and infrastructure were hit in multiple districts of the capital. Moscow claimed responsibility for the operation, stating that military and logistical targets, including the port of Yuzhny in the Odessa region, were struck. Zelensky condemned the attack as one of the largest ballistic missile assaults against Kiev, emphasizing that over 40 missiles and 120 drones were launched primarily toward the capital. He reported a preliminary casualty count of one dead and 16 injured, with rescue efforts ongoing in three different locations involving nearly 600 emergency personnel. Damage was also reported in the Odessa region and other parts of the country. Over the past week, Zelensky stated that Russia had deployed approximately 1,450 attack drones, over 1,640 guided aerial bombs, and 99 missiles of various types against Ukraine. He reiterated that strengthening Ukraine’s anti-ballistic defense remains the top priority, thanking international partners for agreed-upon supplies and urging further deliveries of interceptors. Zelensky called for continued pressure on Moscow through additional sanctions, warning that delays could allow Russia to plan new attacks and circumvent restrictions. Meanwhile, internal political tensions emerged in Ukraine as reports surfaced regarding the removal of Mykhailo Fedorov from his position as head of the Defense Ministry. According to Ukrainska Pravda, Fedorov was dismissed amid growing popularity in Kiev, raising concerns among critics who suggested his influence posed a risk to the government. Some analysts questioned whether his removal was politically motivated, citing potential risks associated with accumulating public support. The situation highlights the complex dynamics within Ukraine’s leadership as it faces both external threats and internal challenges.

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ANSA logoANSAIndependentProgressiveFactual 85Objective 8012 days ago
Zelensky: 'Two oil tankers of the Russian shadow fleet and four merchant ships hit in the Black Sea'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media that two shadow fleet oil tankers and four merchant ships were targeted in the Black Sea by Ukrainian forces using drones and missiles. The attacks occurred over 400 kilometers from Ukraine’s border. In response, Russian authorities confirmed an attack on a civilian oil tanker at the Novorossiysk port terminal, which was hit by drones. The incident resulted in the evacuation of most of the international crew, though there were no fuel leaks or fires. Moscow also reported that over 400 Ukrainian drones targeted the capital region overnight, with 85 intercepted before reaching the city. Some reports suggest that some drones may have reached the area. Additionally, explosions and fires were reported at a petroleum depot in Podolsk and a warehouse belonging to Wildberries. Russian state media noted that six people, including three foreigners, were hospitalized with injuries possibly linked to the drone strikes.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the actions as defensive measures taken by Ukrainian forces against Russian infrastructure, emphasizing the impact on Russian logistics and energy systems. It highlights the effectiveness of Ukrainian military strategies while downplaying potential civilian casualties or strategic

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the missile and drone attack on Kyiv, citing Zelensky’s statements and confirming the number of casualties and damaged infrastructure. It aligns with other reports on the scale of the attack and the response from both sides.

Why objectivity (80): The tone is neutral but highlights the destruction and casualties, which may reflect a focus on the human cost of the war. The inclusion of Zelensky’s statements reinforces his perspective without overt bias.

ANSA logoANSAIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 7513 days ago
Kiev under attack, Russian raids with over 40 missiles.

An intense Russian attack on Kyiv has resulted in over 40 ballistic and hypersonic missiles, along with 120 drones, hitting residential buildings and infrastructure across multiple districts. The assault lasted approximately five hours, causing at least one death and several injuries. Ukrainian authorities reported damage in various areas, including the Odessa region. President Zelensky condemned the attack as one of the largest missile strikes against Kyiv, noting the scale of Russian military activity, which includes around 1,450 drones, 1,640 guided bombs, and 99 missiles in the past week. He emphasized the need for strengthening anti-ballistic defenses and urged international partners for more equipment, while calling for continued pressure on Moscow through sanctions.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account by citing both Ukrainian and Russian perspectives, with Zelensky’s statements representing the Ukrainian stance and Russia’s claim of targeting military objectives. There is no overt ideological slant in the framing, though the event itself is highly politic化.

Why factuality (80): The article accurately reports the drone attack on Wildberries facilities near Moscow, including the death toll and the location of the affected warehouses. It aligns with other reports but lacks independent verification of the full extent of the damage.

Why objectivity (75): The tone is neutral but emphasizes the strategic significance of the targets, suggesting a narrative that supports Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russian logistics. The mention of Zelensky’s claims adds a layer of attribution that may influence interpretation.

la Repubblica logola RepubblicaIndependent🔒ProgressiveFactual 70Objective 5513 days ago
The editor of Ukrainska Pravda: Fedorov too popular in Kiev, sent away because he is uncomfortable

The article reports on protests in Kyiv against the removal of Oleksandr Fedorov from his position at the Defense Ministry. Fedorov, who was popular among citizens, was dismissed due to being 'too inconvenient.' The piece quotes Musaieva, who suggests that accumulating too much support for figures like Zelensky could make them targets. It mentions General Zaluzhny and Foreign Minister Kuleba as potential sources of information but does not provide direct quotes or detailed explanations of the reasons behind Fedorov’s dismissal.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the dismissal of Fedorov as politically motivated, suggesting that his popularity made him a target. The reference to Zelensky and the implication that high visibility increases risk aligns with left-leaning concerns about power dynamics and accountability. The emphasis on the 'in

Why factuality (70): This article discusses protests in Kyiv related to the removal of a defense official named Fedorov, referencing statements from Musaieva and others. However, it lacks clear sourcing and contextual background, making it difficult to verify the claims. The mention of Zelensky and other officials is pl

Why objectivity (55): The article has a strong partisan tone, suggesting that Fedorov was 'mandato via perché scomodo' and implying potential risks of his popularity. This framing appears biased and does not present multiple perspectives, significantly affecting objectivity.

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