Ukraine-Russia War: On Wednesday, the Ukrainian military attacked a major Russian natural gas processing plant and two associated communication centers. This is considered one of the significant overnight strikes launched by Ukraine against Russia in recent times.
This action is part of a broader Ukrainian aerial campaign targeting Russia’s energy infrastructure and military-industrial facilities. Kyiv has intensified this campaign in recent months as it develops more advanced, long-range weaponry to counter Russia’s prolonged war effort.
Kerch Bridge: A vital Russian supply link
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Moscow has ordered the redeployment of some of its air defense systems to the capital and the Kerch Bridge in Crimea in response to these attacks. The Kerch Bridge serves as a crucial supply link for Russian troops, connecting the Crimean Peninsula to the mainland.
Zelenskyy stated on the social media platform X, “It is essential that as many Russians as possible understand that the war is dragging on precisely because the Russian leadership has rejected diplomacy.”
The Ukrainian President also mentioned that Kyiv plans to launch further attacks on Russian sites used for the war effort.
According to a Reuters report, Zelenskyy said, “I have instructed my intelligence agencies and the military to take preemptive action against the sites Russia uses to escalate its war efforts.”
Attacks impact Russian oil production
On Wednesday, Ukraine succeeded in cutting off power to Crimea’s largest city and also targeted sites in central and southern Russia. This has deepened the fuel crisis within Russia. According to a Reuters report, an oil refinery in Moscow will remain shut for at least six months after sustaining heavy damage from drone attacks.
Official data released from Moscow revealed that Russia’s production of petroleum products and coke fell by 13.5% year-on-year in May.
Despite being the third-largest oil producer, the country stopped releasing most data regarding its oil production and exports following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trump’s major statement on the Russia-Ukraine war
US President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday that Zelenskyy is doing a very good job of countering the Russian military.
According to the news agency AFP, Trump said, “He is doing quite well. At least he is holding his ground. Many people are being killed on both sides, but I think he is doing quite well.”
“You have to admit that he is brave; he has excellent equipment, but he also has excellent people and fighters.”
Trump and Zelenskyy recently met during the G7 summit in France, where leaders agreed to increase pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for over four years.
It is worth noting that this conflict in Ukraine has now lasted longer than World War I.
(With agency inputs)