Ukrainian strikes hit oil sites in Russia and Crimea

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian forces have launched strikes on oil facilities in Russia and occupied Ukraine in a bid to inflict economic damage on Moscow, according to Ukrainian and Russian officials. The attacks are part of a broader campaign aimed at making Russia pay a heavy price for its ongoing war in Ukraine.

In a separate development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich acted as a mediator for messages between Kyiv and Moscow. Zelenskyy disclosed that Abramovich delivered a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to Kyiv, conveying Russia’s desire to understand Ukraine’s stance and willingness to negotiate.

Meanwhile, the European Union is considering a fresh round of sanctions against Russia, targeting key sectors such as the military industrial complex, human rights violators, and propagandists. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that existing sanctions have already cost Russia billions of dollars, with further measures being proposed to increase pressure on Moscow.

Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian forces launched 310 drones targeting various regions in Russia, including Moscow, Crimea, and the Black and Azov seas. In response, Russia deployed drones targeting Ukraine, with Ukrainian air defenses managing to neutralize a significant number of them.

Ukrainian General Staff confirmed that Ukrainian forces carried out strikes on oil facilities in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region, including the Grushovaya oil transshipment base near Novorossiysk. The attack resulted in a fire at the facility, although no casualties were reported. Additionally, Ukrainian forces targeted the Krasny Yar production and dispatching station in the Volgograd region, causing a fire at the site.

In occupied Crimea, Ukrainian forces struck the Semykolodezkaya oil base, triggering a fire at the facility used to store fuel reserves for the Russian military. Another oil depot near Feodosia in Crimea was also targeted by Ukrainian forces.

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to defending its territory, including the Donbas region currently occupied by Russia. He expressed readiness to meet with Putin under certain conditions but made it clear that Ukraine would not surrender any part of its territory.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure in various regions. Russian drone strikes injured civilians and damaged buildings in several Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Chernihiv. The attacks have led to injuries and fatalities, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict.

As the situation continues to escalate, the international community closely monitors developments in Ukraine. The war in Ukraine remains a critical issue, with implications for regional stability and global security.

For the latest updates on the conflict in Ukraine, follow the AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine.