Ukrainian forces struck two of Russia’s largest oil refineries overnight in a continuation of their long-range attacks targeting key infrastructure in Russia, officials in Kyiv said Wednesday. The attacks are part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign to weaken Russia’s military and economic capabilities amid the conflict that began more than four years ago.
Ukraine’s Security Service and General Staff reported that drone strikes caused fires at a Lukoil refinery in the Perm region, located over 900 miles from the Ukrainian border, and at another refinery in Ryazan, approximately 180 miles from Ukraine. Together, the two facilities have an estimated annual production capacity of around 220 million barrels of oil and play a significant role in supporting Russia’s military efforts and government revenue. Independent verification of the strikes was not immediately available.
Ryazan Governor Pavel Malkov confirmed that six people were hospitalized following a drone incident and noted that fires broke out at unidentified industrial sites due to drone debris. Meanwhile, Russian online retailer Wildberries said it evacuated staff from a facility in Ryazan but did not provide further information.
The attacks come amid Ukraine’s intensified use of domestically developed drones and missiles in near-daily operations designed to pressure Russia economically and militarily. Despite Russia’s advanced air defense systems, the vast size of its territory makes comprehensive coverage difficult.
The strikes occurred shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday. The discussions focused on securing further American assistance for Ukraine’s defense. Zelensky emphasized the need to maintain pressure on Russia, stating that every day of the war raises the cost to Moscow. Trump described the meeting as a “Great Honor,” and Zelensky said the talks went well, although no detailed agreements were disclosed.
In addition to meeting Trump, Zelensky held talks with more than 60 U.S. senators and representatives of defense contractors Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. These companies provide Ukraine with critical military technology, including Patriot air defense systems, which are key to countering Russian missile threats. Zelensky noted ongoing discussions about joint production and technology sharing, highlighting Ukraine’s advancements in drone technology, which has been widely praised by international observers, including U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker.
Ukrainian military commanders also reported intensified activity in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, claiming to have struck 201 Russian vessels over the past three weeks, excluding those targeted by other Ukrainian security units. Additional attacks reportedly targeted a Russian naval base, a radar station in Bryansk, and drone launch sites and infrastructure in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region.
In response, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that its air defenses intercepted 295 Ukrainian drones overnight in multiple Russian regions and in occupied Crimea. As military and diplomatic efforts continue, prospects for a resolution remain uncertain, with planned visits by U.S. envoys to Kyiv signaling ongoing international engagement. Maj. Gen. Mykhailo Drapatyi, Ukraine’s newly appointed commander in chief, emphasized the need to sustain multifaceted operations, strengthen defensive lines, and expand precision strikes to achieve victory.