Ukraine hits Russian oil plants and drone sites following US envoys' visit
Ukraine launched attacks on three Russian oil refineries and several drone launch locations after U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff left Moscow and Kyiv.
Ukraine reported that its forces struck three Russian oil refineries on Monday, focusing on processing plants in the Perm region. Additional targets included drone launch installations in Kursk Oblast, a maritime site in the Black Sea, and facilities in the Ryazan region and Tatarstan. The operations were announced by President Volodymyr Zelensky, who highlighted the precision of Ukraine's long-range capabilities.
The attacks followed the departure of U.S. Special Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, who had visited Moscow on Saturday and Kyiv on Sunday to restart peace negotiations. Zelensky thanked the units involved for their accuracy and framed the strikes as a response to ongoing Russian aggression. The timing underscores the volatile backdrop to the diplomatic effort.
Why it matters
The strikes show Ukraine's ability to hit strategic Russian targets even as diplomatic talks resume, affecting the conflict's dynamics.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Russia claims strikes on Ukrainian rail hub and vessels as drones hit Russian ports
- Sep 4 A Russian drone hit central Kyiv, destroying the Zavertailo restaurant beside St. Sophia’s Cathedral and setting an adjacent building ablaze.
- Sep 4 Poland’s foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador in response to the Leipzig drone incident.
- Sep 4 The envoys are set to leave Friday for Moscow and then travel to Kyiv later in the week.
- Sep 4 The last US‑mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine took place in February, shortly before the United States and Israel launched their war on Iran.
- Sep 5 Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner landed in Moscow for peace talks.
- Sep 5 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a three-day halt to attacks on Moscow, following talks involving U.S. envoys and Russian officials.
- Sep 5 Ukrainian officials announced a three‑day suspension of air strikes on Moscow.
- Sep 6 President Zelenskyy mandated a step‑by‑step investigation into the shootout.
- Sep 6 Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine have killed civilians and injured dozens in several oblasts.
- Sep 6 U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv for face‑to‑face talks with Ukrainian officials.
- Sep 6 The United Kingdom summoned the Russian charge d'affaires to condemn the Leipzig drone incident.
- Sep 6 Only the Russian terminal in Tuapse remains operational, handling roughly 160,000 tonnes of cargo each month.
- Sep 7 Russia announced a new modular “Web” shield to protect energy facilities from drone strikes.
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