Ukraine Intensifies Strikes On Russian Oil Refineries In Response To Attacks — Zelenskyy
Ukraine’s Defense Forces have struck two Russian oil refineries in Omsk and Ukhta, as well as air defense systems, drone launch sites and Russian military logistics routes. The long-range strikes are aimed at systematically weakening Russia’s military and economic capabilities, according to analysts, UATV English reports.
Ukrainian forces carried out a large-scale operation against strategic targets deep inside Russian territory, hitting facilities located up to 2,500 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.
The targets included Lukoil’s Ukhta refinery in Russia’s Komi Republic, which processes approximately 4.2 million metric tons of oil annually, and Gazprom Neft’s major refinery in Siberia, with an annual processing capacity exceeding 22 million metric tons. The latter also supplies fuel to Russian occupation forces in Ukraine.
Ukraine also targeted a Yandex data center in Russia’s Ryazan region, reportedly halting its operations following a fire. Another data center in Kaluga was subsequently hit, causing some users to experience disruptions to cloud services.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the strikes on the two refineries, saying Ukraine would continue responding to Russian attacks.
“Another strike on the Russian oil refinery in Omsk, one of the major facilities, as well as on the Ukhta refinery, 1,900 kilometers from Ukraine’s state border. The target in Ukhta was hit by AN-196 RS drones, which can fly approximately 2,500 kilometers. The previous day, FP-6 drones, modified from FP-1, were used against the Omsk refinery. We continue responding to Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, and we are doing so accurately,” Zelenskyy said.
On the night of October 9, Ukraine’s Defense Forces also struck the Center for the Operation of Ground Space Infrastructure Facilities, which develops control systems and refueling equipment for rockets.
Another target was the Redkino Experimental Plant in Russia’s Tver region, which produces specialized fuel components for Kh-55 and Kh-101 cruise missiles. Ukrainian forces also struck a center for the disposal of intercontinental ballistic missiles in the Nizhny Novgorod region, aiming to weaken Russia’s capacity to produce explosives and rocket fuel.
Other reported targets included a command-and-observation post, a launch site for attack drones, a Pantsir-S1 air defense system and ammunition depots used by Russian forces in the Donetsk, Luhansk and Belgorod regions.
International political analyst Anton Kuchukhidze, co-founder of the United Ukraine analytical center, said Ukraine’s long-range campaign was putting growing pressure on Russia’s energy sector and military logistics.
“Ukraine can effectively compel Russia to make peace on its own. According to official information, 45% of Russia’s federal-scale oil refineries have been damaged. Logistics are facing major problems, oil refining is facing major problems, and there is a fuel crisis. Russia does not like to talk about this, but its budget deficit had already exceeded $80 billion by the end of summer. It is unclear how it will be covered,” Kuchukhidze said.
Ukraine’s strikes against Russia’s military-industrial facilities, energy infrastructure and data centers come amid continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the latest Russian attacks, describing them as war crimes and pledging further European support for Ukraine.
“In just two days, 78 people were killed and 215 injured as a result of Russia’s unleashed violence. These are nothing less than war crimes. Our thoughts are with the brave people of Ukraine. Europe firmly stands by your side, providing more drones, missiles and air defense systems to protect your skies, financial support to keep Ukraine functioning, and assistance to restore energy infrastructure and ensure heating throughout the winter,” von der Leyen said.
Zelenskyy also said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents outlining what he described as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “new doctrine,” which allegedly authorizes Russian air strikes against civilian infrastructure, including bridges across the Dnipro River, energy facilities and water supply systems.
In response, Zelenskyy said Ukraine would intensify strikes against Russian oil refineries but would not target Russia’s civilian population, unlike Moscow’s campaign against Ukraine.
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, long-range drones have already put more than 51% of Russia’s oil-refining capacity out of operation.
Read Also: Zelenskyy, Stubb Discuss Air Defense Support And Russian Revenue From Fuel Exports
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12 of October 2026
