Ukraine says it struck a major Russian oil refinery in Ufa and a military aerospace facility in the Penza region during overnight attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strikes were a response to Russia’s continued attacks on Ukraine.
“This is an entirely just response to everything Russia is doing against us,” Zelenskyy said. “Peace is needed, and this is exactly what Russia’s leadership must realize. Russia must end its war.”
According to Ukraine, the Ufa refinery is one of Russia’s largest producers of lubricants and is located about 1,300 kilometres from the frontline.
Ukraine’s military also said it hit the NIIFI aerospace facility in Penza, which manufactures components for cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and satellites. Officials reported explosions and smoke at the site.
Russia’s Defence Ministry did not comment directly on the reported strikes but said its air defence systems destroyed 179 Ukrainian drones over Russian and Russian-occupied territory overnight.
The latest attacks highlight Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russian military and energy infrastructure as the war continues with no immediate sign of a ceasefire.
