Ukraine strikes Russia's Yaroslavl Oil Refinery 4 times in month, Zelensky confirms
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on May 22 that Ukraine conducted long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure, including the Slavneft-YANOS refinery in Yaroslavl, about 700 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
- The Yaroslavl oil refinery has been attacked four times in May, with previous strikes occurring on May 8, 13, and 19, as part of Ukraine's strategy to hit critical Russian energy sites.
- Footage and analysis from Russian independent media and Telegram channels showed evidence of the overnight strike, though Russian authorities denied any damage or casualties and claimed air defenses repelled the attack.
- Kyiv views energy facilities as legitimate military targets because they supply fuel and funding to Russia's war efforts, with Ukrainian forces having struck Russian oil refineries 158 times since the war began.
- Zelensky stated that Ukraine is preparing additional long-range and midrange strikes in response to Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and communities.