Ukraine Targets Russian Oil Refinery Near Moscow Amid Escalating Conflict

The Ukrainian army said it has struck a Russian oil refinery near the capital Moscow, a day after Russia launched massive, deadly attacks on Kyiv. The Ukrainian army stated on social media on Saturday that it hit a refinery in the Ryazan region as part of efforts to reduce the enemy's ability to launch missile and bomb strikes. According to the Ukrainian army, the strike was carried out using precision-guided munitions, which allowed for a high degree of accuracy and minimized collateral damage. The refinery, which is located approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Moscow, is a significant target for the Ukrainian military, as it is a key supplier of oil to the Russian military. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the Russian attacks on Kyiv as a "wicked attack," saying that about 430 drones and 18 missiles were used in the assault. The attacks killed at least six people and wounded nearly three dozen more, with residential buildings and other sites targeted. The background of the conflict is complex, with the war between Russia and Ukraine now in its 1,360th day. The conflict began in February 2022, when Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since then, the war has escalated into a protracted and bloody conflict, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Experts say that the Ukrainian military's ability to strike at Russian targets deep within Russian territory is a significant development in the war. "This is a major escalation by the Ukrainian military," said Dr. Natalia Klyuchareva, a military analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "It shows that the Ukrainian military is capable of striking at Russian targets with precision and accuracy, which is a significant game-changer in the war." The implications of the strike are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the global energy market. The refinery is a significant supplier of oil to the Russian military, and its destruction could impact Russia's ability to wage war. Additionally, the strike could have a significant impact on the global energy market, as Russia is a major supplier of oil to the world. The current status of the conflict is uncertain, with both sides continuing to engage in heavy fighting. The Ukrainian military has vowed to continue striking at Russian targets, while Russia has vowed to continue its attacks on Ukrainian cities. The next developments in the conflict are likely to be significant, with potential implications for the global energy market and the future of the war.