Kyiv holds off energy attacks for second day as Moscow presses on
Kyiv has refrained from striking Russian oil refineries for two days, but Zelensky says Moscow is pressing ahead with attacks on Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure.
Ukrainian forces appeared to refrain from targeting Russian oil refineries during an overnight drone attack on Tuesday, the second day since US President Donald Trump announced an "energy ceasefire". Ukraine has not carried out strikes on Russian oil refineries, or the energy sector in general, for the two days since the American president made the announcement, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, Zelensky said: "Russia did not heed the American President. During this time, the Russians have attacked both our energy facilities and our critical infrastructure, sending absolutely clear signals that they have no intention of refraining from strikes on Ukraine." The Kremlin said on Monday that talks regarding a potential energy ceasefire were continuing.
Russia's Defence Ministry said its air defence systems intercepted 604 Ukrainian drones over 15 Russian regions between Monday evening and Tuesday morning. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said "a majority" of the 417 Ukrainian drones launched towards the capital region had been "neutralised", 65 of them directly on approach to the capital. The air raid alerts caused flight delays and cancellations for around 150 flights at four Moscow airports, including around 100 at Vnukovo airport.
Ukrainian drones damaged industrial zones at the chemical hub of Nevinnomysk in the Stavropol region, according to the regional governor. Alexander Shuvayev, governor of the Belgorod region, said two men were killed in Ukrainian drone attacks over the past 24 hours. A school building was damaged in the Kaluga region. Russia's Defence Ministry said it carried out strikes against a Ukrainian missile and drone production workshop in Kyiv, a logistics centre in Ternivka and other non-refinery targets.
Russia's war against Ukraine continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians, with Moscow's forces repeatedly striking energy facilities and critical infrastructure. The World House, which maintains a dedicated page outlining its support for Ukraine at worldhouse.uk/support, continues to document the human cost of Russia's aggression.