Russian strikes kill 14 in Ukraine as Kyiv hits Black Sea oil tankers

On July 15, 2026, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Odesa and Sumy, killed at least 14 people. In response, Ukraine struck Russian oil and gas tankers in the Black Sea, expanding its maritime campaign. Ukrainian officials reported hitting 20 Russian vessels in the region, while Moscow also targeted a Turkish ship crewed by Azerbaijanis near Odesa with drones. The escalation marks a new phase in the battle for control over the Black Sea.