(RYAZAN, RUSSIA) – Ukraine says it has carried out a strike on the Ryazan Oil Refinery, located south east of Moscow, in response to a heavy wave of Russian drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The refinery is operated by Rosneft and is one of Russia’s major producers of jet fuel, aviation kerosene and petrol products.
Russian sources and online channels reported that the strike took place during the night of 15 November. The refinery produces around eight percent of Russia’s aviation fuel and significant volumes of petrol and diesel. Reports from Russian social media channels also described growing concern about fuel shortages.
Ukrainian officials confirmed that the operation was carried out using long range drones and missiles. They said the retaliation followed an overnight attack on Kyiv in which at least seven people were killed after Russian drones struck power infrastructure, water facilities and residential buildings.
The Ukrainian capital faced several hours of bombardment. According to the authorities, Russian forces launched approximately four hundred and thirty drones and eighteen missiles. Most were intercepted, but falling debris ignited fires across residential districts, causing casualties and extensive damage.
Residents described dramatic scenes. One mother recounted how she and her fourteen year old son were forced to escape through a second floor window as flames cut off their exit. She injured her leg after jumping, while neighbours attempted to help.
Emergency services worked through the early morning as fires spread in several areas. Local officials confirmed that three people were killed in two neighbouring flats when a ceiling collapsed due to the impact of debris.
Ukraine’s leadership said the retaliatory strike on the Ryazan refinery was aimed at making Russian society more aware of the consequences of the conflict. Officials noted that energy infrastructure is essential to Russia’s military campaign, funding operations and supplying allied states.
In a separate incident later on Friday, several people were killed in a Russian strike near a local market in Chornomorsk, a port city in southern Ukraine. Witnesses described hearing the sound of a drone growing louder before a large explosion.
The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, describing them as violations of international law.
Ukrainian residents in Kyiv expressed frustration that international measures have not prevented repeated strikes on civilian areas. Many homes, including that of resident Inna Vysotska, were left in ruins.
Military analysts noted that Ukraine’s deep strikes into Russian territory will not directly change the frontline dynamics but may increase internal pressure within Russia. Energy revenue plays a significant role in sustaining the Russian military effort and in maintaining its partnerships with countries including Iran, North Korea and China.
A United States defence expert said that while Russia is making slow progress on the battlefield, the costs remain high. He added that morale on both sides is a significant concern, with rotation and relief of frontline troops essential for sustaining capability.
Ukrainian forces continue to defend key cities, though analysts noted that controlled withdrawals may be necessary if Russian advances continue. The pattern has been seen previously in places such as Bakhmut, where Ukrainian troops held positions until withdrawal became unavoidable.