Ukraine defies West by striking Russian oil refinery
Yahoo • • world
Key Points:
- Ukrainian drones reportedly struck a Lukoil-operated oil refinery and a Baltic pipeline near St Petersburg, despite warnings from allies to avoid attacks on Russian energy infrastructure to prevent global fuel price spikes.
- Russian officials reported damage to refinery facilities and an oil pipeline after repelling drone attacks, with videos showing large flames and explosions, though Ukraine has not officially confirmed these strikes.
- The strikes on Russian energy assets are part of Ukraine’s strategy to disrupt Moscow’s domestic supplies and exports, with intelligence support reportedly provided by allies, including the US.
- Rising oil and gas prices have been exacerbated by US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy shipping route.
- Ukraine’s Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov acknowledged foreign pressure to ease strikes on Russian energy facilities and mentioned potential visits by former US officials linked to peace efforts, while President Zelensky emphasized the need to stop Russian aggression before pursuing diplomacy.
