In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Russia launched massive precision strikes against Ukrainian defense facilities and energy infrastructure on November 29, 2025, while Ukraine responded with coordinated attacks on Russian oil infrastructure and shadow fleet tankers in the Black Sea.
Russian Strikes Target Kyiv Infrastructure
Russian forces conducted extensive precision strikes targeting Kyiv and surrounding sites, focusing on Ukrainian defense facilities and critical energy infrastructure. Moscow authorities claimed that all designated objectives were successfully destroyed in these operations.
These aggressive strikes occurred despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to negotiate peace between the conflicting nations, highlighting the continued intensity of the war that has persisted for years.
Ukraine's Retaliatory Operations
Ukraine responded to the Russian attacks with coordinated drone strikes targeting strategic Russian assets. The Ukrainian forces successfully hit the Afipsky oil refinery and the Beriev aviation plant inside Russian territory.
In a major naval operation, Ukrainian forces also struck two Russian oil tankers - the Kairos and Virat - in the Black Sea. According to reports, both vessels were critically damaged while empty and heading toward Novorossiysk port.
Shadow Fleet Exposed in Black Sea
The attacked tankers were identified as part of Moscow's "shadow fleet" - vessels used to evade Western sanctions imposed on Russian oil exports. This successful operation marks a significant blow to Russia's efforts to circumvent international restrictions.
Turkish authorities reported explosions and fires near the Bosphorus Strait following the attacks, indicating the strategic importance of the location and the potential impact on maritime traffic in the region.
The joint operation conducted by Ukraine's SBU security service and Naval forces represents one of the most significant escalations in the conflict in recent months, demonstrating Ukraine's growing capability to strike Russian assets beyond its immediate borders.
