Ukraine hits Syzran refinery and multiple Russian tankers

Ukrainian drone forces carried out night strikes on July 11‑12 against the Syzran oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region. The attack caused explosions, fires and visible black‑smoke plumes; the Rosneft‑owned plant processes about 8.5 million tonnes of crude a year, producing gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other products. Ukrainian officials reported that the same operation also struck ten oil tankers and four ferries operating in the Sea of Azov, vessels used by Russia’s “shadow fleet” to move fuel and military supplies to Crimea. The Ukrainian General Staff said the attacks are part of a broader campaign to choke Russian fuel logistics. Russian regional officials said one person was killed and three injured, including a child, and that residential buildings were damaged. In response, Russian authorities temporarily suspended navigation through the Kerch/Don‑Azov canal and reported shooting down several drones. Ukraine claims roughly 90 vessels have been damaged in the waterway over a week, while Russia says it has downed hundreds of Ukrainian drones. Analysts note that repeated strikes on Russian oil infrastructure could ripple through global oil markets and potentially raise fuel prices in Britain and elsewhere.