Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries had caused little significant damage. According to Interfax, he also warned that Moscow would respond to the attacks. His remarks came amid renewed tensions over energy infrastructure.
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Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian forces had struck several locations but dismissed the overall impact. Meanwhile, a major Ukrainian drone attack reportedly sparked a fire at an oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region on Thursday morning. The regional governor reported the incident.
The reported strike marked the first confirmed Ukrainian attack on a Russian energy facility since US President Donald Trump announced an energy ceasefire agreement between Moscow and Kyiv on Sunday. The announcement had raised hopes of reducing attacks on energy infrastructure.
However, questions remain about the ceasefire’s implementation. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday that Ukraine had attacked oil refineries in the Saratov and Ryazan regions. Ukraine denied involvement in the alleged attacks, according to the report.
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The latest developments highlight the fragility of efforts to reduce energy-related attacks during the Russia-Ukraine war. Oil refineries remain important targets because they support fuel supplies and the wider economy. Putin’s warning signals the possibility of further retaliation, although the report did not specify what form Russia’s response might take.