Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed retribution against Russia following a series of devastating missile strikes on Kyiv that killed 24 people, including three children. Laying red roses at the rubble of a destroyed apartment building, Zelenskyy declared that no aggressor strike would go unpunished. After meeting with top military and intelligence officials, he confirmed that retaliatory long-range strikes had been approved. In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy pointed to an overnight Ukrainian drone attack on a major oil refinery in Ryazan, western Russia, which triggered a large fire.
Escalation of Drone Warfare
The strike on the Ryazan refinery was part of a large-scale Ukrainian long-range drone operation targeting several Russian regions. This came after Moscow’s forces pounded Ukraine with three days of massive missile and drone attacks. The scale of the assaults undermined claims by former US President Donald Trump that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine was imminent. Trump had suggested that recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at the war nearing an end, but the renewed strikes threaten diplomatic efforts.
Russian Court Orders Euroclear to Pay $250bn
In a separate development, a Russian court has ordered Belgian financial group Euroclear to pay approximately $250 billion in damages for freezing Russian assets in the EU since the war began. Euroclear stated it does not recognize the Russian court's jurisdiction and called the claims “without merit.” It remains unclear how Russia intends to enforce this ruling.
Impact on Russian Oil Output
Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, doubling the number of oil refineries targeted since the start of the year, according to Russian officials. These strikes have reduced Russia’s oil output—the world’s third-largest after the US and Saudi Arabia—adding pressure to Moscow’s federal budget.
Mental Health Crisis in Ukraine
The World Health Organization has warned of a growing mental health crisis in Ukraine, with 71% of people experiencing anxiety, stress, or sleepless nights. WHO representative Jarno Habicht said the effects could be felt for generations.
Other Developments
Greek investigators believe a military sea drone found on the island of Lefkada last week may have drifted due to a technical failure. Greece claims the drone is Ukrainian, but Kyiv denies this. A Russian attack struck a grain terminal at a Ukrainian port, injuring seven people. German prosecutors announced the arrest of a Ukrainian national suspected of spying for Russia, who was extradited from Spain.
