Moscow has launched a significant drone attack on infrastructure in central Ukraine, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Kyiv will restart strikes on Russian oil refineries. This escalation comes after the White House's attempt to negotiate an energy ceasefire between the two nations has failed.
Background
The situation escalated when Moscow accused Ukraine of launching its first strike against a Russian oil refinery in the Ryazan region since Donald Trump declared an "energy ceasefire" that neither side had formally agreed to. Trump urged Zelenskyy to halt attacks on Russian oil refineries, claiming these actions contributed to a global increase in diesel fuel prices.
Developments
On Wednesday, Zelenskyy stated, "The block [on attacking refineries] is out. We’re done," indicating a resumption of strikes after a temporary halt intended to demonstrate Ukraine's willingness for peace talks. He criticized the gap in US intelligence sharing as "dangerous."
Images from Ryazan showed flames at the refinery, reportedly targeted by 69 drones and four Flamingo cruise missiles. The Russian ministry claimed that debris from a drone struck by anti-aircraft fire ignited the fire.
In a separate incident, over 360 Russian drones targeted Kirovohrad, a central region of Ukraine, resulting in three deaths and six injuries. Regional governor Andriy Raikovych stated, "The enemy deliberately hit critical infrastructure, transport enterprises, logistics facilities, and residential homes."
