Ukraine Intensifies Strikes on Russian Oil Facilities Amid Ongoing Conflict

KYIV, Ukraine — In recent overnight attacks, Ukraine struck several oil facilities deep within Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced these actions on Thursday as part of Ukraine’s efforts to weaken Moscow’s economy and challenge the Kremlin. These assaults have resulted in fuel shortages and a sense of unease among Russians.

Meanwhile, Ukrainians face constant missile attacks that challenge Kyiv’s weakening air defenses amid Russia’s prolonged four-year invasion. The Kyiv region observed a day of mourning after a recent missile and drone assault by Russia resulted in 17 fatalities. This has led Ukraine and its allies to urgently seek new air defense supplies.

The United Nations office in Kyiv reported that in the first half of this year, 1,396 civilians were killed, and 7,978 injured in Ukraine. This marked a 37% increase from the previous year and a 114% rise compared to 2024, attributing the increase to intensified long-range aerial assaults by Russia.

Zelenskyy discussed plans with senior officials to expedite the development of Ukraine’s ballistic weaponry, paralleling its rapid advancements in drone technology. He stated, “Developing one’s own ballistic capabilities and creating a new anti-ballistic system is a task that only a tiny minority of countries worldwide have managed to accomplish. Ukraine has this capability.” He anticipates progress in the program by this year and the next, focusing on overcoming challenges like acquiring critical components, technological partnerships, and determining manufacturing sites.

Part of a Russian ballistic missile lies near a strike site on a food warehouse in Kyiv. Maxym Marusenko / NurPhoto via Getty Images

Ukraine targeted Russian oil refineries and vessels, indicating the extent of its operations against Russian assets. A refinery in Bashkortostan and another in the Yaroslavl region, significantly far from the front line, were hit. Yaroslavl Governor Mikhail Yevrayev confirmed damage to an oil reservoir, resulting in a fire that also affected nearby houses.

In the Black Sea, Ukrainian forces attacked two Russian military patrol boats and other vessels used by Russia to bypass Western oil export restrictions. However, specific details were not provided by Zelenskyy.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 605 Ukrainian drones over its territory overnight.

Ukraine Seeks More Interceptor Missiles

Ukrainian officials are pressing allies for additional interceptor missiles crucial for air defense. Recently, attacks using drones and glide bombs killed three civilians and injured 22 across Ukraine. Russian assaults have heightened Ukraine’s need for systems like the U.S.-made Patriot, which is essential to counter Russia’s missile barrage.

Zelenskyy said they are collaborating with partners to secure these interceptors, emphasizing discussions with NATO chief Mark Rutte and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Rutte noted on social media that efforts are ongoing with allies to provide Ukraine with necessary air defenses.

Russian Attacks Continue

In recent days, Russian forces fired missiles and numerous long-range drones at Ukraine, with air defenses managing to neutralize a portion of them. Russian strikes in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions resulted in several casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure, including residential areas.

In southern Ukraine’s Kherson region, a Russian drone hit a bus transporting farmworkers, injuring several people. Another drone attack in Zaporizhzhia injured four, affecting a residential zone.

UN Chief Condemns Escalating Attacks

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized both Russia and Ukraine for escalating attacks. “These latest series of attacks follow an alarming pattern of escalating strikes against populated areas, reportedly resulting in a record-level increase in numbers of civilian casualties and widespread destruction of residential and civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, as well as increasingly in the Russian Federation,” noted Farhan Haq, Guterres’ deputy spokesman.

Guterres also urged for the freedom of navigation in the Black and Azov seas, highlighting concerns regarding potential threats to shipping.