Ukrainian forces attacked two Russian tankers near Novorossiysk, rendering them unable to transport oil, according to President Zelenskyy, amid intensified attacks.
Ukraine Attacks Russian Tankers
Ukrainian forces attacked two Russian tankers on the waters approaching the port of Novorossiysk, effectively halting their oil transport capabilities, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced via X. He stated Ukraine’s long-range capabilities will continue to be developed across all domains.
Russian Air Defenses Claim Drone Interceptions
Aleksandr Drozdenko, governor of Russia’s Leningrad region, reported a “powerful attack” overnight, claiming air defenses intercepted “over 60 enemy unmanned aerial vehicles.”
Primorsk Port Targeted, Fire Reported
The primary target of the attack was the Primorsk sea port. While the attack was reportedly repelled, it caused a fire in Primorsk, which has since been extinguished. No oil leaks were reported.
Ukraine Reports Russian Attacks, Drone Interceptions
Ukraine’s Air Force reported that, from Saturday at 19:00, Russia launched attacks including an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 268 unmanned aerial vehicles. 249 of the drones were intercepted.
Civilian Casualties in Kherson Region
A Russian drone struck a vehicle in the Dniprovskyi district of Kherson on Saturday morning, killing one person. A 63-year-old woman, and men aged 48, 61, and 55 sustained concussions, blast injuries, and shrapnel wounds and were hospitalized.
Fico to Meet Zelenskyy in Yerevan
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Yerevan on Monday during the European Political Community summit, despite strained relations.
Fico Reaffirms Support for Ukraine’s EU Aspirations
Fico confirmed Slovakia supports Ukraine’s EU membership ambitions, desiring a stable and democratic neighbor. He noted any peace agreement with Russia requires Ukrainian consent.
Slovakia’s Stance on Aid and Relations with Russia
Since forming a government in autumn 2023, Fico has declined to provide military aid to Ukraine, but has allowed private Slovak firms to purchase arms. He visited the Kremlin in December 2024 and attended WWII anniversary events in Moscow in May 2025, remaining the only EU politician to do so.
Dispute Over Russian Oil Transit and EU Energy Policy
Tensions between Fico and Zelenskyy escalated in January over alleged Ukrainian unwillingness to repair the Druzhba pipeline, disrupting Russian oil transit to Slovakia and Hungary. Fico accused Zelenskyy of lying and harming Slovak interests, and opposes the “zero option” regarding Russian gas and oil. Slovakia filed a complaint to the EU Court of Justice on April 24th, arguing energy decisions made by majority vote are effectively sanctions requiring unanimity.
