Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian drones have carried out strikes on an oil refinery and a fuel depot in Russian border regions. These actions are part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt the Kremlin's war machine amid Europe's biggest conflict since World War II. The strikes come as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks further Western support in the face of escalating tensions.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to participate in D-Day commemorations in France alongside world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden. Following this event, he is set to meet with French officials to discuss the current situation.
The drone attacks occurred as Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning that Russia could provide long-range weapons to other countries for potential strikes on Western targets. This threat came in response to NATO allies allowing Ukraine to use weapons delivered to Kyiv to target Russian territory.
Ukraine's army is currently engaged in combat to repel a recent Russian offensive in eastern regions, taking advantage of Kyiv's ammunition and troop shortages along the extensive front line.
Statements from Russian officials, including Dmitry Medvedev, suggest a significant shift in foreign policy following Putin's recent remarks in St. Petersburg. Medvedev indicated that Russia could supply weapons to countries hostile to the U.S. and its allies for potential use against Western interests.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned of consequences if Western-supplied weapons are used against Russia, hinting at potential retaliatory measures. Putin emphasized the need for asymmetrical responses in light of perceived threats from Western-backed forces.
The U.S. military clarified that it does not control the missiles provided to Ukraine or their targets, while NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that there are no plans to deploy forces to Ukraine. Instead, efforts are focused on establishing a robust support framework and long-term financial commitment to aid Ukraine.
Recent drone attacks targeted the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russia's Rostov region and an oil depot in Belgorod, causing fires and explosions. These strikes are part of a broader campaign to disrupt Russian energy infrastructure and deny Moscow revenue, while Western sanctions further strain Russia's energy sector.
Conversely, Russia has been targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure to induce power outages and impact military manufacturing capabilities, aiming to undermine public morale.
These developments underscore the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides resorting to strategic attacks to gain leverage in the ongoing conflict.
For more updates on the war in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage.
