Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged to intensify long-range strikes against Russia after Ukrainian drones targeted two oil refineries overnight, escalating efforts to weaken Moscow’s military capabilities and energy infrastructure.
The attacks sparked fires at oil refineries in Russia’s Krasnodar and Yaroslavl regions early Sunday. Authorities in Krasnodar said one person was killed while another sustained injuries in a nearby village following the strike on the Slavyansk-na-Kubani refinery.
Reacting to the operation, Zelensky said Ukraine would continue targeting facilities that support Russia’s war effort.
“We continue our operations that weaken Russia’s ability to wage this war. Every successful long-range strike reduces the resources available to Russia’s war machine and brings us one step closer to peace,” he said.
The latest drone attacks come amid Ukraine’s sustained campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, which has reportedly contributed to fuel shortages in several parts of Russia.
Russia responded by launching ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv in the early hours of Sunday, with Ukrainian officials reporting that at least two people were injured.
The renewed exchange of attacks follows Zelensky’s recent approval of a 40-day military offensive aimed at increasing pressure on Russia to end the conflict. The Ukrainian leader said the decision was made after consultations with the country’s security chiefs.
He also renewed his call on Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw Russian forces from Ukraine, urging Moscow to “take that step toward peace.”
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed its forces had captured two more villages in southeastern Ukraine—Pysantsi in the Dnipropetrovsk region and Novoselivka in the neighbouring Zaporizhzhia region. The claims have not been independently verified.
As the war enters another phase of intensified fighting, both sides continue to exchange long-range attacks while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain uncertain.
