Putin Vows Stronger Defences as Ukraine Strikes Intensify.
Summary: Putin told members of the ruling United Russia party that Moscow would protect the country and its borders despite increasing Ukrainian attacks, which he described as “terrorist attacks,” and he called for faster production of air-defence systems. He said the strikes had not affected Russia’s military operations on the front line and rejected Kyiv’s reported proposal to halt mutual long-range strikes. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces struck the Slavyansk oil refinery in Krasnodar and another refinery in the Yaroslavl region, highlighting the reach of Ukraine’s long-range campaign. Regional authorities in Krasnodar said one person was killed and another injured after debris from intercepted drones sparked a fire at the Slavyansk refinery. The article says Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian refineries, fuel depots and logistics hubs to weaken Moscow’s war effort, contributing to fuel shortages, rationing and transport disruption in parts of Russia and occupied Crimea. It adds that Ukraine’s long-range campaign is becoming one of Kyiv’s main tools for pressure beyond the front line, while Moscow is likely to keep expanding air defences and repairing damaged refineries.
Details
- Putin told members of the ruling United Russia party that Moscow would protect the country and its borders despite increasing Ukrainian attacks.
- He described the strikes on Russian territory and infrastructure as “terrorist attacks” and called for faster production of air-defence systems.
- Putin insisted the attacks had not affected Russia’s military operations on the front line and rejected Kyiv’s reported proposal to halt mutual long-range strikes.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces struck the Slavyansk oil refinery in Krasnodar and another refinery in the Yaroslavl region.
- Zelenskyy said the refineries were about 300km and 700km from Ukraine respectively, underscoring the reach of Kyiv’s long-range campaign.
- Regional authorities in Krasnodar said one person was killed and another injured after debris from intercepted drones sparked a fire at the Slavyansk refinery.
- Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian refineries, fuel depots and logistics hubs to weaken Moscow’s ability to sustain the war.
- The campaign has contributed to fuel shortages, rationing and transport disruption in parts of Russia and occupied Crimea.
What Else
- Ukraine’s long-range campaign is becoming one of Kyiv’s main tools for applying pressure beyond the front line, targeting the fuel networks that support both Russia’s economy and its war effort.
- Moscow is likely to keep expanding air defences and repairing damaged refineries, but further disruptions could add pressure as both sides trade deeper strikes.