Ukraine's long-range strikes cut Russia's oil refining capacity by 20%, Zelenskyy says

Bangla Press Desk:  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said long-range strikes on Russian oil refineries have cut Moscow’s refining capacity by about 20%, citing Western intelligence sources.

Zelenskyy noted that more than 90% of the deep strikes inside Russia were conducted using Ukrainian-made long-range weapons, emphasizing the need for more international financial assistance to increase production. “We just need to keep working on this every day,” he told reporters Monday, with remarks embargoed until Tuesday.

Oil exports are a key source of revenue for Russia’s war effort. Ukraine’s attacks on refineries come as the U.S. and the European Union impose new sanctions aimed at slashing Moscow’s energy income. Despite ongoing peace efforts, the war nears its fourth year with no sign of resolution.

U.S. President Donald Trump last week announced sanctions against Russian energy giants Rosneft and Lukoil, set to take effect Nov. 21. Zelenskyy said Trump might use them as leverage in talks with Moscow. He added that India has signaled plans to reduce its oil imports from Russia, while he hopes Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea will prompt similar action from Beijing.

Zelenskyy also said Ukraine has secured about 70% of the $2 billion needed to import gas for the winter as Russian attacks on energy infrastructure intensify.

By next month, Ukraine expects to produce 500–800 interceptors daily to counter Russia’s Shahed drone strikes, though more operator training is required.

He added that Ukrainian forces have captured 2,200 Russian prisoners in six months of fighting in the east, where battles for Pokrovsk continue. Kyiv is also in talks with Sweden, France, and the U.S. to strengthen its air fleet, requesting 250 new aircraft.

BP/SP