By LEVI JOHNSON
Ukraine has launched a massive overnight drone assault on one of Vladimir Putin’s most vital oil facilities — the Ryazan refinery, a cornerstone of Russia’s energy network — just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced crippling sanctions on Moscow’s oil giants, Rosneft and Lukoil.
The refinery, located about 200 kilometers southeast of Moscow, was engulfed in flames following a wave of Ukrainian UAV attacks that sent explosions reverberating across the industrial hub. Videos shared online showed plumes of fire lighting up the night sky, though Russian officials have since imposed a ban on posting images or videos from the site.
Russian Officials Confirm Fire After Drone Attack
Ryazan Oblast Governor Pavel Malkov confirmed the incident, stating on Telegram:
“Last night, 14 UAVs were destroyed by air defense systems over Ryazan Oblast. Falling debris caused a fire on the territory of one company. Emergency services are working at the site.”
Local emergency units battled the fire into the early hours, with unverified reports suggesting sections of the refinery’s crude processing units sustained heavy damage.
Trump’s Sanctions Deal a Heavy Blow to Russia’s War Economy
The strike came within hours of Washington’s latest sanctions package, unveiled on Wednesday, targeting Russia’s two largest oil producers — a move U.S. officials described as a “decisive step to choke the Kremlin’s wartime cash flow.”
Rosneft, led by Putin’s close ally Igor Sechin, and Lukoil are now barred from U.S. financial systems, with their assets frozen globally. The sanctions also prohibit any American entities from conducting business with either company.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated:
“As long as Putin refuses to end this senseless war, we are imposing sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies that finance the Kremlin’s war machine. We call on allies to join these sanctions.”
Russia Faces Mounting Energy Crisis
The dual blow of Ukrainian strikes and Western sanctions has plunged Russia’s energy sector into crisis. Multiple regions are now reporting fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations, with some drivers waiting hours or finding pumps completely dry.
Reports indicate that 92- and 95-octane petrol is running out in regions such as Crimea, Sverdlovsk, and Chelyabinsk, where authorities have already introduced rationing.
Though Russian companies deny any shortages, analysts say the restrictions are being used to curb panic buying and conserve dwindling supplies.
Escalating Pressure on Moscow
The attack on Ryazan marks Ukraine’s latest escalation in its campaign against Russia’s energy infrastructure — one that has seen at least seven major refineries hit since August, according to satellite data.
The combined impact of the refinery strikes and Trump’s sanctions threatens to cripple Russia’s wartime revenue, which relies heavily on oil exports to sustain its military operations in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, diplomatic tension between Trump and Putin continues to rise. A planned meeting in Hungary later this month has been suspended indefinitely, with Trump telling reporters:
“Every time I speak to Vladimir, I have good conversations — but they don’t go anywhere. I don’t need a wasted meeting.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the sanctions and renewed strikes, calling for continued international pressure:
“It is high time the world acted decisively. Putin’s war machine feeds on oil — cut it off, and peace will come faster.”
⚡ Key Developments
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Ukraine targets Ryazan oil refinery, one of Russia’s largest, causing a major fire.
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Trump announces sweeping sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil hours before the strike.
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Russia faces fuel shortages and rationing across multiple regions.
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Putin-Trump meeting canceled, further straining U.S.-Russia relations.
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Zelensky urges allies to maintain maximum economic pressure.
