Ukrainian drones targeted multiple Russian oil facilities and set two oil tankers ablaze in the Sea of Azov on Thursday, marking a continuation of Kyiv’s efforts to disrupt fuel supplies to Russia amid the ongoing conflict. The attacks come a day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defence systems.

The drone strikes hit oil depots in several Russian regions, including Tver in the west and Vyazniki in the Stavropol territory, where fires forced the evacuation of nearby apartment buildings. In the Sea of Azov, two tankers were set on fire, with one still burning after its crew was evacuated, according to Rostov Governor Yuri Slusar. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky framed the strikes as a campaign of “long-range sanctions” aimed at pressuring Russia to end the conflict, which has lasted over four years.

“The delay in ending the war should bring the reality of conflict back to Russia, where it began,” Zelensky said, underscoring Kyiv’s strategy of targeting critical infrastructure deep inside Russian territory. Recent attacks also struck oil-loading terminals in the Rostov region and fuel facilities in Ufa, far from the frontline.

Russia reported intercepting 73 Ukrainian drones between late Wednesday and early Thursday. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 94 long-range strike drones and two ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities. Despite Russian defenses jamming or downing 72 of the drones, 19 drones and both missiles caused damage at 13 locations. Moscow has escalated its bombardment of Kyiv and other urban centers in retaliation, emphasizing Ukraine’s exposure to missile attacks.

During a recent meeting on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Turkey, President Trump pledged to address Ukraine’s request for a license to produce the Patriot surface-to-air missile systems domestically. While Trump praised Zelensky’s leadership, Ukrainian officials cautioned that establishing local production would require considerable time.

Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to Ukraine’s Defence Minister, noted that manufacturing Patriot interceptor missiles could take a year or more due to complex technical requirements and supply constraints. Some subcontracted components have production cycles of up to two years, and output of key parts from companies like Boeing and L3Harris remains limited. Although the U.S. Department of Defense has contracted efforts to increase production capacity, the timeline for scaling up remains unclear.

Germany also holds a license to manufacture Patriot systems. A joint venture announced in 2022 between Raytheon and MBDA Deutschland aims to produce Patriot GEM-T missiles in Germany, with the facility expected to open in September and initial deliveries projected for next year. Ukraine is reportedly slated to be the first recipient of missiles produced there.

The Kremlin responded to the U.S. licensing announcement with cautious remarks, characterizing Washington’s stance as “ambivalent” but appreciating Trump’s stated desire to facilitate peace negotiations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia views increased Ukrainian strikes as justification to expand the “security zone” it seeks to establish in Ukraine. He warned that escalation will likely prolong the conflict and complicate peace efforts.

Ukraine continues to call for binding security guarantees from the U.S. and other allies, including potential NATO troop deployments to safeguard a peace agreement. Russia has strongly opposed any NATO military presence in Ukraine, declaring such forces would become legitimate targets under its operational doctrine. The evolving dynamics signal that military and diplomatic tensions remain high as all sides seek leverage in the long-standing conflict.