Russia Strikes Ukrainian Energy Sites, Kyiv Retaliates by Targeting Ryazan Oil Refinery

Ukraine witnessed a major escalation in mutual attacks, as Kyiv announced on Saturday that new, intensive Russian air strikes targeted Ukrainian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, leading to heating and water outages for thousands of homes.

The Russian Attack:

• Scope: The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the country was targeted by 653 drones and 51 missiles overnight.

• Targets: The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed the strikes targeted companies within the "Ukrainian military-industrial complex and energy infrastructure supporting its operations," in addition to port facilities used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

• Ukrainian Impact: President Zelenskyy noted that the Russian goal is "to inflict suffering on millions of Ukrainians," and drones struck and "burned the main building of the Fastiv train station." In the Odesa region, thousands of consumers remain without heat or running water.

The Ukrainian Retaliation:

• Ryazan Refinery: The Ukrainian Armed Forces announced on Saturday that they carried out a new strike targeting the Russian oil sector, focusing on a refinery in the city of Ryazan, about 200 km southeast of Moscow, noting that the refinery supplies the Russian Armed Forces with fuel.

• Russian Impact: Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov confirmed that 29 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight, and debris fell inside an industrial complex without causing major injuries or significant damage.

These attacks coincide with ongoing talks for the third consecutive day in Florida between Ukrainian and American negotiators regarding Washington's plan to end the nearly four-year-long war. Kyiv defends its actions by intensifying attacks on the Russian oil and gas sectors to disrupt military fuel reserves and deplete state financial resources dedicated to continuing the war.