KYIV, Ukraine – Ukraine said it carried out long-range strikes against multiple oil facilities inside Russia overnight, expanding its campaign against Moscow’s energy infrastructure as both sides intensified aerial attacks that continue to increase civilian casualties and strain regional security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces targeted oil refineries in Russia’s Bashkortostan and Yaroslavl regions, while also striking Russian military patrol boats and vessels associated with Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet in the Black Sea.
The attacks came a day after another large-scale Russian missile and drone barrage on Ukraine, prompting Kyiv to renew calls for additional air defense systems and interceptor missiles from its international partners.
The latest exchanges underscore how the war has expanded beyond frontline combat, with energy infrastructure, maritime assets and civilian areas increasingly becoming targets on both sides.
Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Bashkortostan region, located more than 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) from the front line, and another refinery in the Yaroslavl region, nearly 700 kilometers (435 miles) from the Ukrainian border.
Yaroslavl Governor Mikhail Yevrayev confirmed that falling drone debris struck oil storage tanks at the refinery, causing a fire. He also said three private homes caught fire and several residential buildings sustained damage.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces additionally attacked two Russian military patrol boats in the Black Sea and vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, which Western governments say has been used to transport oil while circumventing international sanctions.
He did not provide further operational details.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said its air defense systems intercepted or destroyed 605 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions.
Air Defense Shortages Remain a Major Challenge
The latest Ukrainian operations followed Wednesday’s Russian missile and drone attack on the Kyiv region that killed 17 people. Authorities observed an official day of mourning on Thursday.
Ukraine continues to face frequent long-range missile and drone attacks while seeking additional Patriot interceptor missiles and other air defense systems from allied countries.
According to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, 1,396 civilians were killed and 7,978 injured during the first six months of 2026.
The U.N. said civilian casualties increased 37% compared with the same period in 2025 and more than doubled compared with 2024, attributing the rise primarily to intensified long-range Russian aerial attacks.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is continuing discussions with international partners to secure additional ballistic missile interceptors.
He said he recently spoke with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and Finnish President Alexander Stubb about identifying countries that possess available interceptor stockpiles.
Rutte later said on X that consultations among allies are continuing on how to provide Ukraine with urgently needed air defense capabilities.
Kyiv Accelerates Domestic Missile Development
Alongside requests for foreign assistance, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is accelerating development of its domestic missile industry.
He said he met with senior defense officials to review progress on Ukraine’s ballistic missile program and efforts to develop an anti-ballistic missile defense capability.
In a statement posted on social media, Zelenskyy said Ukraine expects meaningful progress this year and next after resolving issues involving critical components, international technological cooperation and production capacity.
The effort forms part of Kyiv’s broader strategy to expand domestic defense manufacturing following rapid advances in drone production since the start of the war.
Fighting Continues Across Ukraine
Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched four missiles and 101 long-range strike drones overnight.
Officials said Ukrainian air defenses destroyed or electronically disrupted 66 drones before they reached their targets.
Regional authorities reported that three civilians were killed in Balakliia in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
In neighboring Sumy, Russian glide bomb attacks wounded 12 people, according to Ukraine’s National Police.
Regional Governor Oleh Hryhorov said apartment buildings and civilian infrastructure were damaged, with hundreds of windows shattered.
In the southern Kherson region, officials said a Russian drone struck a bus transporting agricultural workers, injuring six people.
Another Russian drone attack injured four civilians in a residential neighborhood in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, according to regional Governor Ivan Fedorov.
United Nations Warns of Escalating Civilian Risks
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned attacks carried out by both Russia and Ukraine, according to deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.
Haq said the recent exchanges reflected “an alarming pattern of escalating attacks against populated areas,” resulting in growing civilian casualties and widespread damage to homes and civilian infrastructure in both Ukraine and, increasingly, the Russian Federation.
The secretary-general also expressed concern over risks to maritime navigation and reiterated the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in both the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
As both countries continue expanding long-range operations beyond the battlefield, the conflict is placing increasing pressure on civilian populations, strategic infrastructure and regional security while Ukraine seeks additional defensive support from its international partners.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
