Ukraine Attacks Russian Oil Refineries; Kyiv Claims 'Long-Range Sanctions'

Ukraine launched drone attacks that ignited a major oil refinery in southern Russia, resulting in at least two fatalities, according to Russian authorities.

Regional leader Veniamin Kondratyev reported that debris from downed Ukrainian drones sparked a fire at the refinery in Slaviansk-on-Kuban. He also stated that one person died and another was injured in a nearby village due to the incident.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged Kyiv's role in the attacks, noting that a second Russian refinery in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, was also hit overnight. "Tonight, our 'long-range sanctions' have reached two oil refineries in Russia," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram. "Every (strike) means fewer resources fueling the Russian war machine and another step towards peace."

The Slaviansk refinery is one of southern Russia's largest, processing nearly four million tons of crude oil annually, according to its operator's website. Russian officials did not immediately report a Ukrainian attack on the Yaroslavl refinery. However, the local governor, Mikhail Evraev, mentioned that some roads between Moscow and Yaroslavl were temporarily closed due to a hostile drone attack. The Yaroslavl airport also experienced a brief closure overnight, along with other airports in southern and western Russia, according to civil aviation data. Russian officials also reported one fatality in attacks on Belgorod.

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Tonight, our 'long-range sanctions' have reached two oil refineries in Russia. Every (strike) means fewer resources fueling the Russian war machine and another step towards peace.