The Ukrainian military struck deep in Russia, attacking two key facilities of Russia's oil processing infrastructure. First, Ukrainian kamikaze drones attacked a Russian Lukoil oil refinery with over 60 drones. This is one of Russia's leading refineries, supplying Moscow Oblast, which accounts for about 30% of the country's petrol consumption. Its nominal crude processing capacity is about 17m tons per year. The plant produces over 50 types of products: petrol, aviation and diesel fuel, as well as bitumen, paraffin, and others. Second, commandos attacked the Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant in Bashkortostan (more than 1,300 km away from the Ukrainian border), a major producer of components for aviation fuel, rubber and butylated hydroxytoluene. The plant plays a crucial role in Russia's military-industrial complex and is a significant source of revenue for the Russian state budget. Initial assessments indicate both attacks damaged the facilities, but the extent is unclear for now.
In the past 24 hours, Russia lost 900 personnel KIA or WIA, bringing their total casualty count to 1,146,570. Russia's seaborne crude oil exports have fallen sharply, the steepest decline since Jan 2024, as new US sanctions force key buyers to pause purchases from Moscow. An international arrest warrant issued by the ICC for crimes against humanity remains active for Vladimir Putin. Mr. Putin is presumed innocent until proven guilty at an international tribunal to be held for him at a future date in the Hague.
The Lukoil refinery under Ukrainian drone attack.
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