Ukrainian Drones Strike Russian Fuel Tankers; Kremlin Sources Indicate Putin to Escalate War
Kyiv intensifies maritime and energy infrastructure attacks as sources close to the Kremlin suggest President Putin is rejecting peace talks and preparing for escalation.
The day on the war
Ukrainian forces have escalated their drone campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, with the military claiming to have hit a dozen more Russian fuel tankers in the Sea of Azov overnight on Thursday, July 10. These strikes are part of an effort to disrupt fuel supplies to Russian forces and isolate Moscow-occupied Crimea.
Concurrently, Ukraine also targeted Russia's Ilsky oil refinery and the port of Taganrog. These intensified attacks come as sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that President Vladimir Putin is rejecting calls to negotiate peace with Kyiv, with the recent drone strikes strengthening his resolve to continue fighting.
Two anonymous sources indicated a "high probability" of escalation in the coming months, suggesting Putin believes Russia will soon capture the Donbas region. The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated Russia is ready for a peaceful resolution but possesses the capability to act independently and continue its 'special military operation'.
Along the front
Kostiantynivka sector (Donetsk Oblast)
Development: Fiercest fighting was recorded here over the past day, July 9, with a total of 283 combat engagements across the front line.
Source: Ukrinform, Ukrainian General Staff
Pokrovsk (Donetsk Oblast)
Development: Ukrainian sources report a slowdown in Russian attacks, while Russian forces are concentrating personnel and equipment.
Source: Table.Briefings
Rodynske (Donetsk Oblast)
Development: Russian forces are consolidating their positions after heavy fighting in the built-up area.
Source: Table.Briefings
Overall Front Line
Development: Neither Ukrainian nor Russian forces made confirmed advances on July 9.
Source: ISW
Strikes & the grid
Sea of Azov
What: Ukrainian drones hit a dozen more Russian fuel tankers, a tugboat, and a dry cargo ship.
Toll: Used for supplying fuel to the Russian military and transporting oil in circumvention of sanctions (Ukrainian military claim)
Ilsky oil refinery and port of Taganrog, Russia
What: Targeted in overnight attacks by Ukraine.
Toll: Details on damage or casualties not immediately available. (Ukrainian official claim)
Mala Danylivka, Kharkiv region
What: Russian shelling damaged approximately ten residential buildings, as well as power and gas lines.
Toll: Casualties reported (Ukrinform)
Dnipropetrovsk region
What: Russian forces carried out nearly 10 drone attacks, damaging a business, gas stations, and residential properties.
Toll: One person injured (Ukrinform)
Across Ukraine
What: Air Defense Forces shot down 114 of 137 Russian drones used in attacks since the evening of July 9.
Toll: 114 drones intercepted (Ukrinform)
Diplomacy & talks
Prisoner Exchange. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on July 9 that Moscow proposed a prisoner exchange with Ukraine, sending a list of 500 Ukrainian servicemen, but Kyiv responded they were 'not ready' for the exchange.
Peace Negotiations. Sources close to the Kremlin indicated on July 10 that President Putin is rejecting calls to negotiate peace with Kyiv, with recent Ukrainian drone strikes hardening his resolve to continue fighting.
Aid & sanctions
United States (Senators Tim Kaine, John Cornyn, Chris Coons, Roger Wicker, Chuck Grassley, Sheldon Whitehouse)
Measure: Introduced a bill (SABER Act) to allow Ukraine to use frozen Russian assets for weapons purchases.
Detail: The bill expands the scope of the existing REPO Act, enabling $5-7 billion in frozen Russian sovereign funds to be used for military aid, without requiring US budget expenditures.
What we'll be watching next 72h
- Ukraine expects to hold discussions with the US regarding a potential 'drone deal' or joint drone production.
- Ukraine aims to sign 'drone deals' with seven NATO countries by the end of the year.
- Discussions are planned with European allies in France to develop a separate, more mass-produced and cheaper anti-missile system, similar to Patriot.
Reporting + analyst voices: grounded via Google Search at publish time.