Ukrainian drones hit southern Russian refineries, Azov port
Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Russian oil refineries and the port of Taganrog, causing fires and fuel shortages. Despite recent tactical successes, Ukrainian military leadership maintains that a decisive turning point in the ongoing war remains distant.
Why it matters
The continued targeting of energy infrastructure highlights the evolving nature of the conflict and its direct impact on Russia's economic and military capabilities.
Ukrainian drone strikes on Friday (July 10, 2026) hit southern Russian oil refineries and the port of Taganrog on the Azov Sea, where authorities declared an emergency and evacuated some residents, officials said.
Kyiv has beefed up its efforts in recent months to hinder Moscow’s financial capabilities in its war against Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure in retaliatory strikes and causing a nationwide fuel shortage.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces downed over 370 Ukrainian drones, including over the Moscow region.
In the port of Taganrog, near occupied Ukraine, social media videos showed plumes of smoke rising over the city. Local governor Yuri Slyusar said he visited the port after “massive” night-time strikes. “Efforts to extinguish the fire of petroleum products at the seaport are ongoing.”
In the neighbouring Krasnodar region, authorities said drones caused a fire at the Ilsky oil refinery. Authorities reported no casualties.
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