Zelensky Confirms Strikes on 2 Russian Refineries up to 700 Kilometers Inside Russia
Updated
Updated · Kyiv Post · Jun 28
Zelensky Confirms Strikes on 2 Russian Refineries up to 700 Kilometers Inside Russia
3 articles · Updated · Kyiv Post · Jun 28
Summary
Zelensky said Ukrainian forces hit two Russian oil refineries overnight — the Slavyansk plant in Krasnodar and another in Yaroslavl — calling them "long-range sanctions" on Constitution Day.
700 kilometers from the front, the Yaroslavl strike showed Ukraine can reach deep into Russian territory; the Slavyansk refinery lies about 300 kilometers away and is a key fuel supplier for Russian forces and occupied Crimea.
At Slavyansk, explosions triggered a major fire and damaged power lines, a gas pipe and homes, with Krasnodar's governor reporting one death and one injury.
Russia said it destroyed 213 drones overnight, but confirmed fires at the refineries and a separate blaze at Crimea's Saki thermal power plant pointed to successful Ukrainian penetrations of air defenses.
Kyiv says the campaign is meant to cut resources for Russia's war machine, extending a broader push to hit energy infrastructure and logistics nodes inside Russia.
With its oil refineries burning, is Ukraine's economic warfare strategy crippling Moscow's ability to continue the war?
Can Ukraine's new 40-day offensive, armed with long-range missiles, finally force Russia to the negotiating table?
Fueling Crisis: The Strategic and Economic Fallout of Ukraine’s 2026 Drone Attacks on Russian Energy Assets
Overview
As of June 2026, Ukraine has sharply intensified its drone campaign, reaching deeper into Russian territory and focusing on critical infrastructure. This marks a clear strategic shift, as Ukraine aims to disrupt Russia’s economic resilience by repeatedly targeting oil refineries and fuel supply chains, which are vital sources of Russian revenue. Swarms of drones have struck key assets such as oil processing facilities, arms production sites, and logistical arteries, escalating the conflict and highlighting Ukraine’s emphasis on undermining Russia’s energy capabilities. These actions signal a new phase in the war, with significant impacts on Russia’s economy and fuel security.