UPDATE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced that Ukraine’s recent strikes on Russian oil facilities are leading to significant fuel shortages across Russia. This development comes as Ukrainian forces launch a successful counteroffensive that has disrupted Russia’s military plans in the eastern Donetsk region.
In a press briefing held on Thursday, Zelenskiy highlighted that Ukraine’s newly developed Palianytsia missile has targeted numerous Russian military depots, severely impacting fuel supplies. He confirmed that the Ruta missile drone recently struck an offshore oil platform located over 250 km away, marking what he termed “a major success” for Ukraine’s advanced weaponry.
More than 300 long-range drones, including the Liutyi and Fire Point, have also been deployed against Russian energy facilities, intensifying the impact of Ukraine’s military efforts. Zelenskiy reported that Ukraine has utilized various missile systems, including Neptune and Flamingo, to further disrupt Russian operations.
According to Zelenskiy, these strikes are evidently effective, as Russian fuel shortages are forcing the country to increase imports. “The main thing is that Russia is now importing gasoline – that’s a signal,” he emphasized. Ukrainian intelligence suggests that Russia’s imports from Belarus have surged sixfold, with import duties eliminated, while fuel is also being sourced from China.
“According to our data, they’ve lost up to 20% of their gasoline supply – precisely after our strikes,”
Zelenskiy stated, indicating the significant toll of Ukraine’s military actions on Russia’s fuel availability.
While Russian officials have yet to comment on the fuel shortages, the ongoing conflict marks over three years of intense fighting, with Ukraine striving to fend off Russian advances. Zelenskiy underscored the importance of continued military support from Western allies, specifically requesting additional long-range weapons.
He mentioned the U.S.-made Tomahawk missiles, which have been previously withheld by Washington. “At the last meeting I did not hear ‘no’,” he said regarding his request, noting that U.S. officials agreed to explore the issue further. A delegation led by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko is set to visit the U.S. early next week for discussions on air defense and energy cooperation.
On the battlefield, Zelenskiy reported the most intense fighting occurring around Pokrovsk and Dobropillia, where Ukrainian forces are conducting a counteroffensive deemed “very difficult but very timely – and successful.” He stated that this operation has effectively derailed Russia’s summer offensive campaign.
Zelenskiy further asserted that Moscow’s plans to occupy significant portions of Donetsk by November have failed, showcasing the resilience of Ukrainian forces. As winter approaches, Ukraine is also preparing contingency plans to safeguard its natural gas infrastructure, which has faced heavy Russian attacks in recent weeks.
This urgent situation highlights the ongoing struggle in Ukraine and the immediate implications of its military advancements against Russian aggression. The international community is watching closely as Zelenskiy calls for increased support to enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
