Ukraine strikes 2 key Russian oil refineries, Putin admits ‘difficult period’

According to international media reports, the attacks hit oil facilities in Russia's Krasnodar and Yaroslavl regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the operations

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for overnight drone strikes targeting two major Russian oil refineries, triggering large fires and disrupting fuel infrastructure as the conflict between the two countries continues to intensify.

According to international media reports, the attacks hit oil facilities in Russia’s Krasnodar and Yaroslavl regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the operations were aimed at weakening Russia’s military capabilities by disrupting its fuel supply and war logistics.

One of the targeted facilities was the Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region, which has the capacity to process around 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Regional authorities confirmed that the strike caused a significant blaze, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to another in a nearby village.

In the Yaroslavl region, authorities imposed temporary travel restrictions on several major routes leading toward Moscow following the attack as security forces worked to stabilize the situation.

The latest strikes come just days after another Russian oil refinery southeast of Moscow was damaged in a separate large-scale drone attack.

Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy facilities and supply networks in recent months, saying the operations are intended to reduce Moscow’s ability to sustain its military campaign. Reports suggest that repeated strikes have contributed to fuel shortages, power outages, and supply disruptions in parts of southern Russia and Russian-controlled Crimea.

Kyiv maintains that the attacks are a response to Russia’s continued missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities, civilian populations, and critical infrastructure since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the country is going through a “difficult period” while addressing members of the ruling party. He pledged that Russia would continue to defend its borders, citizens, and national security, describing the Ukrainian attacks as acts of terrorism and expressing confidence that Russia would overcome the challenges.

At the same time, Ukrainian military officials reported a Russian ballistic missile attack on the capital, Kyiv. City authorities said air defense systems were activated and residents were urged to remain in safe locations as a precaution.