Zelensky: 'Colpite due petroliere della flotta ombra russa e quattro mercantili nel Mar Nero'

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.