ALBAWABA — Ukraine targeted three Russian oil refineries on Friday, according to Russia’s energy chief, as renewed strikes challenged reports that Kyiv had paused its campaign under pressure from US President Donald Trump.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the facilities were targeted after a break lasting several days. His account followed reporting that Washington had pushed Ukraine to suspend attacks on Russian refining infrastructure.
A fire was reported at the Novokuybyshevsk refinery in Russia’s Samara region. Footage circulated by monitoring channels showed columns of smoke rising near the facility, although the Kyiv Independent said it could not independently verify the images or establish the extent of damage.
The Rosneft-owned refinery produces gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel, making it a significant target in Ukraine’s campaign against Russia’s energy industry.
The timing adds a political dimension to the strikes.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Ukrainian long-range strike units received instructions in mid-October to suspend refinery missions after completing operations already underway. The informal pause could have extended beyond the November 3 US midterm elections, according to the report.
مصافي النفط الروسية بعد الهجوم الواسع الذي شنته اوكرانيا بالطائرات المسيرة اليوم … https://t.co/bBnLI71fhW
Reuters said it could not independently verify that account.
Ukraine has argued that attacks on Russian energy infrastructure disrupt fuel supplies and revenues supporting Moscow’s war effort.
Russia, meanwhile, warned Friday that renewed refinery strikes could reduce diesel supplies to international markets, extending the consequences beyond the battlefield.
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