10 July,2026 09:55 AM IST | Kyiv | mid-day online correspondent
Ukraine’s strikes on Russian refineries and energy sites have intensified in recent months, contributing to fuel shortages, rationing and long queues at fuel stations. Pic/AFP
Ukrainian drones struck several Russian oil facilities and set two oil tankers on fire in the Sea of Azov on Thursday, escalating Kyiv's campaign against Moscow's energy infrastructure. The attacks came a day after US President Donald Trump pledged to grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defence systems to strengthen protection against Russian strikes.
A senior Ukrainian official, however, said it could take a year or more before Ukraine begins producing Patriot interceptor missiles domestically due to technical and manufacturing challenges.
The Kremlin said the proposed license agreement reflected what it described as Washington's "ambivalence" but added that it appreciated Trump's efforts to push for negotiations aimed at ending the war, which began more than four years ago.
Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries and energy sites have intensified in recent months, contributing to fuel shortages, rationing and long queues at fuel stations in several Russian regions. Moscow has responded by increasing attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, highlighting Ukraine's need for stronger air defence systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the latest attacks as part of Kyiv's campaign of "long-range sanctions" in response to Russia's refusal to stop the war.
"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.
A Ukrainian drone strike caused a fire at an oil depot in the western Russian city of Tver, according to acting Governor Vitaly Korolyov. Officials said oil reservoirs were also set ablaze by drones in Vyazniki, in the southern Stavropol region, prompting the evacuation of nearby residential buildings.
In the Sea of Azov, two oil tankers caught fire following Ukrainian drone attacks, Rostov Governor Yuri Slusar said. He added that one vessel continued to burn after its crew was evacuated.
During his meeting with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkiye, Trump said the US would allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defence systems. He also praised Zelenskyy for doing "an amazing job".
However, Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to Ukraine's defence minister, said establishing domestic production of the systems could take several months.
He said a production license would typically include technical documents, specialist training, supplier details and support from foreign experts to help begin manufacturing.
The biggest challenge would be the timeline rather than Ukraine's capability, he added. Some key components could take 12 to 24 months to produce due to limited global manufacturing capacity.
"America has recognised Ukraine as a country that is ready to do this," Zelenskyy said Thursday, answering reporters' questions on WhatsApp. "Now, after our agreement with the president, our teams, our diplomats, the foreign ministries and defense ministries need to agree on all the remaining technical details. The sooner we reach those agreements, the sooner we will be able to produce Patriots."
Reacting to Trump's remarks on Patriot production, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was aware of continued US military assistance to Ukraine but recognised Washington's stated intention to support peace efforts.
"The US position is somewhat ambivalent," Peskov said in a call with reporters. "Still, unlike the Europeans, the United States maintains a desire to facilitate a move toward a peace process. They may be misguided or mistaken at times, but we see that desire as sincere. We welcome it, and we hope that once the Americans manage to resolve the situation regarding Iran despite the significant complications involved their efforts on the Ukrainian track will resume."
Peskov rejected suggestions that Ukrainian strikes inside Russia could accelerate negotiations, arguing that further attacks would only expand Moscow's military objectives.
"It's a mistake to think that escalation and military pressure could pave the way to a peaceful settlement," he said. "Further escalation may prolong the special military operation, we can't say precisely to what extent, but it will force us to create a larger security zone, a larger buffer zone."
Ukraine continues to seek security guarantees from the US and its allies as part of any future peace agreement, including possible NATO involvement. Russia has repeatedly opposed any NATO military presence in Ukraine.
Asked whether he would consider a no-fly zone over Ukraine as part of security guarantees, Trump said, "if it's necessary, yeah," but added that such steps might not be required if an agreement is reached.
"When we have a deal, we're going to have a deal, security guarantee or no security guarantee," Trump said.
Peskov warned that any NATO-backed no-fly zone would be seen by Moscow as direct military involvement. He added that President Vladimir Putin remained "open to dialogue" and was ready for another conversation with Trump.
(With inputs from Associated Press)
