Zelenskyy Calls Drone Strikes on Moscow Oil Refinery 'Justified Response'

Ukraine has escalated its long-range drone attacks, hitting a Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week and striking targets in Russia's Rostov region and temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared these actions a "completely justified response" to Russia's ongoing assaults on Ukrainian cities and communities.

"It is time to end this war, and Russia must take the necessary diplomatic steps," Zelenskyy stated, emphasizing that the strikes are a direct result of Ukrainian soldiers targeting facilities that fuel Russia's war machine. Black smoke was observed billowing from multiple locations in Moscow following the drone incursions.

“

This night, our long-range means again reached the Moscow region: for the second time in a week, the Moscow oil refinery was hit. Targets in the Rostov region and temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories were also hit. This is a completely justified response to Russia's strikes on our cities and communities and another important result of our soldiers' work against facilities that ensure the functioning of the Russian war machine.

In recent months, Kyiv has significantly increased its offensive operations within Russian territory, focusing on oil processing plants and export terminals. This strategy aims to disrupt Russia's energy revenue, which is crucial for funding its military operations in Ukraine.

The renewed attacks underscore Ukraine's determination to retaliate against Russian aggression by striking at critical infrastructure, signaling a strategic shift in the conflict's dynamics. The targeting of the Moscow refinery highlights Ukraine's growing capability to project force deep into Russian territory.

“

It is time to end this war, and Russia must take the necessary diplomatic steps.