Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday that Kyiv had struck the Moscow oil refinery for the second time in a week, describing the action as a "justified response" to Russian attacks. In a post on X, he shared a video showing thick plumes of smoke engulfing the sky and fires at multiple locations.
Zelenskyy's Statement on Long-Range Strikes
Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's mid-range strike capabilities and long-range sanctions, which also targeted the Rostov region. He stated, "Last night, our long-range sanctions once again reached the Moscow region - for the second time this week, the Moscow oil refinery was hit. Targets were also struck in the Rostov region and in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. This is a fully justified response to Russian attacks on our cities and communities, and another important result of our warriors' work against facilities that sustain Russia's war machine."
He thanked the Defence and Security Forces of Ukraine, including the Security Service of Ukraine, the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Special Operations Forces, Defence Intelligence, and the country's missile brigade for the precision strikes. "In recent days, all of our partners have noted the precision and effectiveness of our mid-range strikes and long-range sanctions. It is time the war ended, and Russia must take the necessary steps in diplomacy," Zelenskyy added.
Details of the Strike
The recent strike follows Zelenskyy's Tuesday announcement that Ukraine had hit a Russian oil refinery 500 kilometers inside Russia, showcasing its long-range capabilities. "Russia must be forced to end its war against our people. And Ukraine's long-range weapons are one of the important components of such pressure. This is a just response to Russian strikes - and to the dragging out of a war that must be ended," he said, sharing visuals of flames and smoke.
According to Reuters, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed that a Ukrainian drone attack damaged a facility at the Moscow oil refinery, which is owned by Russia's Gazpromneft. The plant, the largest in the Moscow region, processed 11.6 million tons of oil in 2024, producing 2.9 million tons of petrol and 3.2 million tons of diesel.
US President Trump's Comments
On the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he believed the conflict would have been easier to resolve but acknowledged that deep hostility between Moscow and Kyiv had complicated negotiations. "I had very good talks with President Zelenskyy and with President Putin. And we'd like to see that one end... I thought this would have been one of the easier ones, but they're not liking each other too much, and that makes it much more difficult," Trump said.
G7 Support for Ukraine
The rising hostilities come amid renewed support for Kyiv at the G7 summit, where leaders reaffirmed solidarity with Ukraine in the war against Russia. They agreed to increase additional air defence systems, licenses to boost military production, and strengthen sanctions against the Russian oil and gas sectors. In a formal declaration, the Heads of State and Government of the G7 expressed "unwavering support" for Ukraine and praised the nation and its citizens for their "resilience and progress" amid the prolonged conflict.
To enhance Ukraine's defence capabilities, G7 leaders agreed to further boost air defence systems, interceptors, and long-range ammunition, while granting licenses to increase Ukraine's military production. They also committed to strengthening Ukraine's energy requirements and assured additional support ahead of the upcoming winter. The leaders announced the strengthening of sanctions on Russia's oil and gas sectors to increase pressure on Moscow.
