Key facts
- Ukraine struck Russia's Ufa oil refinery for the second time in a week.
- The Ufa refinery is one of Russia's largest lubricant producers and is located over 1,000 km from Ukraine.
- President Zelenskyy stated the strikes are a 'just response' to Russian aggression.
- Ukraine also targeted a plant producing missile components in the Penza region.
- Russian officials did not confirm the strikes, but reported intercepting numerous drones across Russian regions.
- Russia has acknowledged a fuel deficit, with some regions implementing fuel rationing.
Ukrainian forces have intensified their long-range attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including refineries, terminals, and storage depots, using domestically developed drones and missiles. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine struck Russia's major Ufa oil refinery for the second time in a week, emphasizing it as a justified response to Russia's ongoing war.
The Ufa refinery, located over 1,000 kilometers from Ukraine, is a significant producer of lubricants. Zelenskyy also reported a strike on a plant in the Penza region that produces missile components. While Russian officials did not confirm the refinery strike, the Defense Ministry stated it intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones. Penza's governor confirmed drone debris caused minor damage.
These repeated strikes on Russian energy facilities have contributed to a fuel crisis within Russia, leading to fuel rationing in some regions and increasing political pressure on the Kremlin. President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the country is facing a "certain deficit" of fuel. Ukrainian officials claim these attacks on supply routes are hindering the Russian military's momentum on the battlefield.
Meanwhile, analysis indicates Russia launched fewer drones and missiles at Ukraine in June compared to May, coinciding with Ukraine's stepped-up retaliatory attacks on Russian territory. Russia has been conducting near-daily aerial assaults on Ukraine throughout the war, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure.