Ukrainian forces have targeted a Russian tanker in a southern port, causing deaths and damage, as Moscow's aerial bombs struck civilian areas in Ukraine, wounding dozens including children. The strikes mark a significant escalation in cross-border attacks on day 1,394 of the conflict.
Drone Attack on Russian Port and Civilian Strikes
Regional governor Yuri Slyusar confirmed that a Ukrainian drone strike early on Thursday damaged a tanker docked in the port of Rostov-on-Don. Preliminary reports indicate crew members were killed in the attack. Mayor Alexander Skriabin stated that emergency teams extinguished the resulting fire and prevented an oil product leak, but confirmed there were dead and injured.
In a separate incident, parts of a high-rise apartment block under construction in the city were also damaged, and two private homes burned in a nearby town.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Russian air strikes targeted the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia and its surroundings. The head of the regional military administration, Ivan Fedorov, reported that at least 32 people were wounded. Rescue services stated that five children were among the casualties after strikes hit a block of flats, a house, and an educational establishment. Firefighters battled a major blaze in a multi-storey housing block. Fedorov added that two more people were wounded in a separate drone strike on a civilian car south of the city.
Diplomatic Moves and Financial Pressure
As the fighting intensifies, diplomatic efforts are focusing on financial support for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Brussels on Thursday to urge European partners to back a plan to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's war effort. This push comes despite reported pressure from Washington against the EU plan.
The European Union has proposed using these assets to secure a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, to be repaid by any future Russian reparations. However, the plan faces covert opposition. European intelligence agencies report that Belgian politicians and senior finance executives have been subjected to an intimidation campaign orchestrated by Russian intelligence, aimed at blocking the use of €185 billion in frozen assets held at Euroclear.
In a related development, the UK government has issued a final warning to sanctioned oligarch Roman Abramovich to release £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC within 90 days. Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the Commons the funds are intended for a new foundation for humanitarian causes in Ukraine, and failure to comply will result in court action.
Putin's Warning and Zelenskyy's Response
The military and diplomatic manoeuvres follow stark warnings from both sides. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated Moscow would "certainly" achieve its objectives in Ukraine, including seizing territories it claims. He warned that Russia would seek to extend its gains if Kyiv and its allies rejected Kremlin demands in any peace talks.
In response, President Zelenskyy said in his Wednesday evening address that Russia was preparing to make 2026 a new "year of war." He framed Putin's statement as a signal of Moscow's intent to prolong the conflict indefinitely, underscoring the urgent need for sustained international support for Ukrainian defence.
