On the night of November 28, Ukrainian units launched a coordinated drone operation targeting critical military and economic assets in Russia and the occupied Crimea. The main focus was once again the Saratov oil refinery (Ryazan region), which is central to the fuel supply for the Russian Armed Forces. According to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, several explosions were reported on the refinery grounds. Additionally, the Saky military airfield on the Crimean peninsula, along with other military facilities, came under attack. This strike is part of Kyiv's overarching strategy, intensified since 2024, to systematically weaken the aggressor's military-economic potential, reported by The WP Times, citing kyivindependent.
The latest assault on the Saratov refinery marks the fifth time the facility has been hit in recent months, following a previous attack on November 14. These repeated strikes are part of an extensive Ukrainian drone campaign against Russian energy infrastructure. While the exact scale of the latest damage remains unclear—regional residents reported detonations, according to Kyiv Independent—the strategic importance of the target is immense: the Saratov refinery produces over 20 different petroleum products (Unian). The strategy shows measurable success: the Atlantic Council estimated that the Ukrainian campaign disabled about one-tenth of Russian refining capacity in 2025, although Russia managed to temporarily compensate for the fuel shortfall. Experts at Chatham House noted that Ukraine has perfected its tactics by upgrading drones, doubling the warhead size and range, and significantly boosting production numbers.
While fighting continues on the fronts, particularly in eastern Ukraine where Vladimir Putin's troops maintain an offensive posture, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are also ongoing. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently faced pressure over a proposed U.S. peace plan. In his evening video address, Zelensky announced important negotiations for the coming week, stressing that his government is preparing a "solid ground" for these talks.
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