Ukraine's Attacks on Russia's Oil Refineries
Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy announced that facilities in the Samara and Oryol regions as well as a Russian vessel were hit, stating that the attacks are continuing.
Ukraine continues its attacks on oil refineries in Russia despite warnings from US President Donald Trump that they are driving up global fuel prices and diesel shortages.
Refinery and Facility Targets
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced in a social media statement on Thursday that an oil facility in Russia's southern Samara region was hit during the night.
Trump's Warnings and Reactions
US President Donald Trump had requested in a private phone call that Zelenskyy halt the attacks on Russian refineries.
Trump has repeatedly stated publicly that Ukraine's moves are leading to a tightening in global fuel supplies and driving up fuel prices.
Energy Markets and Analyst Views
In the US, the rise of diesel prices to record levels in recent weeks has increased cost-of-living pressures, acting as one of the factors that has lowered Trump's approval ratings.
However, energy analysts point to the war in Iran and broader disruptions in global oil markets as the main drivers behind the price increases.
Capacity Losses and New Weapons
Ukraine's campaign in recent months has disabled more than 45 percent of Russia's refining capacity, leading to fuel rationing in some regions.
Zelenskiy also announced in Thursday's statement that the FP-7 tactical ballistic missile developed by FirePoint was used in the field for the first time.
Putin's Assessments and the Course of the War
Speaking at the Valdai discussion club, Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the Ukrainian attacks cost the country approximately 1 percent of its gross domestic product.
Following these developments, Russia decided to extend its ban on diesel exports until the end of October.