Ukrainian strike ignites Russian oil refinery as Putin acknowledges 'difficult period'
Debris from downed Ukrainian drones sparked a blaze at a major Russian oil refinery on Sunday, according to local authorities. It came as President Vladimir Putin said his country was going through a 'difficult period' amid intensifying long-range strikes.
Local authorities in Russia said debris from downed Ukrainian drones sparked a fire at a major oil refinery on Sunday. Officials said emergency teams brought the blaze under control within hours, though they did not give a full assessment of the damage.
The incident came as President Vladimir Putin said his country was going through a 'difficult period'. In recent months Ukraine has stepped up long-range attacks on Russian military facilities, choking Moscow's fuel supplies and military deliveries.
Analysts say the strikes on refineries are aimed at pressuring Russia's energy revenues and front-line logistics. As both sides keep up the intensity of attacks, the damage the conflict is inflicting on energy infrastructure is being watched closely on international oil markets, where supply concerns can quickly feed into prices.
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