Ukraine has continued its aggressive drone campaign against Russia, setting fire to a significant oil refinery in southern Russia and resulting in at least two casualties, according to Russian authorities. President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the challenging period his country is facing.
In recent months, Ukraine has escalated its long-range attacks on Russian military and energy infrastructures. This strategy aims to reduce Moscow’s income from its invasion efforts, now five years ongoing, and to increase pressure on the Kremlin by impacting fuel supplies and military support. Analysts believe these attacks have slowed Russian progress on the battlefield and pushed the Kremlin toward negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on the Telegram messaging app, “Our ‘long-range sanctions’ reached two oil refineries in Russia.” He emphasized that each attack reduces resources that fuel the Russian war effort and moves closer to peace.
Debris from Ukrainian drones caused a fire at the Slavyansk-na-Kubani refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region, east of Crimea, reported Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev. The incident resulted in one fatality and one injury. The Slavyansk site processes around 4 million tons of crude yearly, providing significant petroleum exports via the Black Sea.
Zelenskyy also reported a second attack on a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, roughly 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Russian authorities have yet to confirm this. Gov. Mikhail Evraev noted temporary road closures between Moscow and Yaroslavl due to “an enemy attack by Ukrainian drones.” Several Russian airports briefly closed amid these events.
Despite Western sanctions, Russia remains a top oil and gas exporter. Ukraine has targeted fuel routes to Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, causing recent gasoline sales suspensions there. President Putin acknowledged the country’s difficulties, pledging to meet social commitments while adjusting plans due to the current situation.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak mentioned reviewing fuel export agreements to prioritize domestic needs. There are fuel purchase limits in Irkutsk, Siberia, as declared by Gov. Igor Kobzev.
In Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, a Russian aerial bomb killed two people and injured 16. In Russia, Ukrainian drones caused casualties in the Belgorod region, according to acting Gov. Alexander Shuvayev. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported downing 213 Ukrainian drones overnight.
In retaliation, Russia launched 142 long-range drones and eight missiles at Ukraine, with the Ukrainian air force claiming to have shot down 125 drones and seven missiles.
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