Turkish-flagged tanker damaged in Black Sea amid Ukraine drone strikes on Russian refineries

A Turkish-flagged tanker, the Sabahat Telli, was hit during a Russian airstrike on Taganrog port in the Black Sea, highlighting the heightened risk to commercial vessels as Ukraine’s unmanned aerial vehicle attacks intensify in the Black and Azov Seas. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported that in the past 96 hours, 35 enemy ships—including 12 tankers—were targeted, while Russia claimed to have downed 376 drones.

In response to recent drone assaults on Russian energy infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak said Moscow is taking all necessary steps to protect oil refineries, after attacks caused partial disruptions and fuel shortages. The government also extended a temporary ban on diesel, marine fuel, and gas oil exports until July 31 to stabilize the domestic fuel market.