Widespread Russian Attacks Across Ukraine, Explosions at Russian Oil Refineries in Retaliation

In central and southeastern Ukraine, extensive overnight Russian attacks have left at least one person dead and 24 others injured, including children. On Saturday morning, Ukraine’s emergency services confirmed Russian drone and missile strikes in the city of Zaporizhzhia.

Regional administrator Ivan Fedorov reported that the attacks destroyed numerous homes, industrial facilities, service centers, and cafes. Meanwhile, explosions were also reported in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Provincial governor Serhiy Lysak stated that Dnipro and Pavlohrad cities were targeted and residents were warned to seek shelter.

The Ukrainian Air Force claimed that of the 537 drones and 45 missiles launched by Russia overnight, 510 drones and 38 missiles were intercepted. However, at least seven locations were successfully hit.

In retaliation, Ukrainian forces targeted two Russian oil refineries. Large explosions and fires were observed at a refinery in the Krasnodar region, and a fire was also reported at the Cizran refinery in the Samara region.

Despite the intensity of the Russian attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday, “To open the window for diplomacy, it is urgent to impose strict measures on Russia’s financiers and enforce effective sanctions on Moscow’s fuel and banking sectors.”

European Union foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas told reporters in Copenhagen that Russian assets frozen under sanctions could only be released if Moscow pays war reparations.

Zelensky also urged European leaders to expedite discussions on security guarantees and suggested that former U.S. President Donald Trump should also be involved in these talks.

Analysts warn that the ongoing attacks are deepening the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.