Escalating Strikes: Russia's Massive Attack on Ukraine and Ukrainian Counterstrikes on Oil Refineries

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:49:44 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ukrainian authorities report a significant escalation in military actions as Russia launches a 'massive' attack across multiple regions while Ukraine retaliates by targeting key oil refineries in Russia.

A recent surge in hostilities marks a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russian forces executed a substantial overnight attack involving over 500 drones and 45 missiles, resulting in casualties, including at least one death and numerous injuries in Ukraine. In retaliation, Ukraine struck back at Russian oil refineries, damaging infrastructure in a move highlighting the intensity of the conflict amidst ongoing international diplomatic efforts for peace. The attacks underscore the deepening crises as both sides seek military advantages amid protracted negotiations.

Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine's southern and central regions, authorities reported, while Kyiv retaliated with strikes on Russian oil refineries. One woman was killed in Zaporizhzhia, and 28 others were reported injured, including three children, local officials stated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that Moscow unleashed over 500 drones and 45 missiles, impacting 14 regions across the country. Following the assault, Russia's defense ministry declared all “targets of the strike have been achieved” and specific objectives were hit.

The attack comes amid international attempts to broker peace, just days after Ukraine experienced what was described as the second-largest aerial assault of the war to date, killing at least 23 individuals last Thursday.

In Dnipropetrovsk, Governor Serhiy Lysak reported the region was under “massive attack,” urging residents to seek cover, marking the second consecutive night of targeting in that area. Earlier this week, Kyiv acknowledged Russian military incursions into Dnipropetrovsk.

Causative damage was significant, particularly in central and southern Ukraine, with emergency services responding to multiple fires in Zaporizhzhia as explosions resounded in the Dnipro and Pavlohrad areas.

Simultaneously, Ukraine's military claimed successful strikes on Russian oil refineries in Krasnodar and Syzran, where explosions and fires were confirmed at the facility responsible for producing three million tons of oil annually. Russian authorities admitted to damage at one of their refineries but reported no casualties.

In retaliatory claims, the Russian defense ministry reported downing 20 of Ukraine's drones, primarily over Crimea, while also asserting gains in territorial control within Donetsk.

The exchange of assaults coincides with faltering US-led diplomatic missions intended to resolve the ongoing war. Zelensky emphasized Russia’s blatant disregard for peace efforts, advocating for international sanctions and actions from global powers, anticipating a concerted response from the US and Europe.

European foreign affairs ministers convened in Denmark this weekend to address international developments, including discussions on freezing approximately €210bn worth of Russian assets. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed clear determination, stating, Russia does not want peace despite ongoing dialogues.

France is set to propose new sanctions at the meeting aimed at reducing the resources fueling Russia’s military actions, reflecting the ongoing tensions and complexities of the war in Ukraine.