Vladimir Putin has played down recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, saying on Thursday that they had done no major harm. He also pledged that Moscow would respond.
Putin said the attacks had hit “here and there” without anything especially serious. “Nevertheless they are carrying on,” he added.
Ryazan refinery fire follows drone attack
On Thursday morning, a large Ukrainian drone attack set fire to an oil refinery in Russia’s Ryazan region, according to the regional governor. It was the first confirmed Ukrainian strike on a Russian energy facility since US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that both countries had agreed to an energy ceasefire.
Novak’s claims and Ukraine’s denial
On Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Ukraine had attacked refineries in the Saratov and Ryazan regions. Ukraine denied any involvement.
