In brief
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Ukrainian forces struck three oil refineries and a gas‑chemical complex, inflicting minor damage and prompting air‑defence responses. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the attacks as irrelevant to preparations for a November trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi, rejecting a pause in fighting. The same strike was reported by independent videos posted by the Viory media outlet, confirming the three‑refinery claim.
On Friday, Moscow received reports that Ukrainian forces struck three Russian oil refineries and a gas‑chemical complex, according to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who said the attacks had resumed after a brief pause. Novak added that the facilities suffered only minor damage and that Russia’s air‑defence systems performed as expected.
Novak said,
"We had a pause for some time, but today attacks on refineries have resumed, and our enterprises are working on defense."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, speaking to reporters, downplayed the incident, saying it would not alter plans for an upcoming trilateral meeting on Ukraine settlement with the United States and Kyiv. He also denied that a ceasefire or pause in fighting would be part of the talks, stating Moscow opposed any respite that would enable Ukraine to regroup.
“We have stated repeatedly that we are opposed to a ceasefire that would provide a respite for the Ukrainians,” Peskov said.
“Moscow had no plans to suspend military operations ahead of the trilateral talks scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in November.”
Peskov further added that the Ukrainian attacks would not jeopardise the negotiations and that Russia did not intend to raise the issue during the Abu Dhabi meeting, describing it instead as a matter for Washington and Kyiv to discuss.
A video posted online by the Viory media site confirmed the Ukrainian attacks, stating that three Russian oil refineries and one gas‑chemical complex were hit overnight. The clip does not provide detail on damage or responses.
Thus, Russian officials emphasize that the strikes, while successful in targeting infrastructure, have not forced a change in Russia’s military or diplomatic strategy ahead of the November talks.