Moscow: A Ukrainian drone strike triggered a massive fire at one of Russia's largest oil refineries in the southern region on Sunday night. Notably, it
is the latest series of attacks by Kyiv on Russia's oil infrastructure. "Our long-range sanctions reached two oil refineries in Russia," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday. At least two people were killed in the attack. "Each (strike) means a reduction in the resources that fuel the Russian war machine, and another step toward peace," he added. Dramatic visuals of flames and smoke billowing out of Slavyansk-EKO oil refinery in Slavyansk-on-Kuban also surfaced online.
Our warriors began Ukraine’s Constitution Day with great accuracy. Last night, our long-range sanctions reached two oil refineries in Russia. The Slavyansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region was hit – about 300 kilometers from the frontline. We also reached a refinery in the… pic.twitter.com/MiKOSjszFF
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 28, 2026
The Ukrainian campaign has choked Russian fuel supplies, causing widespread shortages and long lines at gas stations across the country and prompting authorities in many regions to introduce fuel rationing.
Notably, Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time acknowledged the country is going through a "difficult period"; however, he expressed confidence that the country would overcome its challenges, ensure national security and continue strengthening its borders, according to Russian state news agency TASS.
The Russian President, while speaking at the conference of the ruling United Russia party ahead of parliamentary elections, stated that the hardships faced by the country had made it stronger and provided valuable lessons.
"We are going through a difficult period, but it has taught us much," Putin said and wished the United Russia party success in the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for September.
Earlier this month also, the Russian capital, Moscow, was attacked by Ukrainian drones. Mayor Sergey Sobyanin had claimed that at least 60 Ukrainian drones were shot down as air defence systems responded to what he described as a sustained aerial assault on Moscow. He had added that one drone damaged a facility at the Moscow Oil Refinery. A Gazprom-owned refinery in the Kapotnya district reportedly had sustained significant damage in the attack.
