Statement from Ukraine’s President
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans to continue moving combat operations into Russian Federation territory in retaliation for strikes on Ukrainian cities. This declaration follows a record-breaking wave of Ukrainian drone attacks on Moscow, which paralyzed local air traffic, sparked fires at the Kapotnya oil refinery, and caused panic among State Duma deputies. Zelenskyy confirmed that this marked the second strike on the Moscow Oil Refinery within a week.
The president made these remarks to journalists in Brussels, as reported by the publication Glavcom. He emphasized that Ukraine seeks only a just peace, but in the face of relentless Russian terror, it will respond with maximum force and reciprocity. Zelenskyy also noted that in recent days, Ukraine’s partners have praised the precision and effectiveness of its mid-range strikes and long-range sanctions.
Impact of Attacks on the Moscow Oil Refinery
The Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya is one of Russia’s largest facilities, supplying a significant portion of the capital region’s fuel needs. Footage of an explosion at the plant has surfaced online, capturing the moment one of the fuel tanks detonated.
“We do not want this war and never did—everyone knows that, our partners know that. We certainly do not want Ukraine to burn because of the enemy. But if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn too. So we reiterate: it is time to end the aggression, time to end this war.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy
This statement from Ukraine’s president underscores the ongoing escalation of a conflict that has persisted for an extended period, signaling Ukraine’s intent to actively respond to Russian actions. Attacks on strategic targets in Moscow, particularly oil infrastructure, reflect a shift in Ukrainian tactics in response to aggression. Furthermore, this could influence the international community’s stance on the conflict and its support for Ukraine’s pursuit of peace.
As the conflict intensifies, Zelenskyy's remarks highlight a critical moment in the war, illustrating how missed opportunities for negotiation can prolong hostilities. For a deeper understanding of the implications of these developments and President Zelenskyy's perspective on Russia's strategy, explore how Putin's failure to negotiate peace has affected the course of the war.