Ukrainian forces have launched a significant drone assault on a major Russian oil processing facility, striking a blow against the Kremlin's war efforts. The attack targeted the Ryazan oil refinery, located approximately 200 kilometres south-east of Moscow, on Saturday.
Refinery Attack and Regional Strikes
The Ukrainian military confirmed the strike, stating it was 'part of efforts to reduce the enemy's ability to launch missile and bomb strikes'. Explosions and a substantial fire were reported at the site following the attack.
In a familiar pattern, Russian officials downplayed the success of the operation. Ryazan governor Pavel Malkov claimed that 25 Ukrainian drones were shot down in the region, with falling debris causing a fire at the enterprise. He did not confirm a direct hit on the refinery.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks in southern Ukraine resulted in four civilian deaths on the same day. Regional prosecutors confirmed three people were killed in the Kherson region, specifically in Myklitskyi village and Kherson city. In Zaporizhzhia, governor Ivan Federov reported one fatality from a Russian strike.
Energy Crisis and Sanctions Deadline
The United States has delivered an ultimatum to Serbia regarding its state oil company, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS). Serbia's energy minister, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, stated that Washington will not lift sanctions unless Belgrade terminates the firm's majority Russian ownership.
The minister warned of 'difficult' decisions ahead, with analysts suggesting Serbia faces a potential winter energy crisis if its sole oil refinery is forced to shut down. The US demands a 'complete change of Russian shareholders' to be negotiated by 13 February.
NIS is currently 45% owned by Gazprom Neft, which is under US sanctions. Gazprom has transferred its additional 11.3% stake to another Russian firm, Intelligence. The Serbian government, which holds nearly 30%, is reportedly considering a possible state takeover and will hold a special cabinet meeting on Sunday to address the crisis.
Escalating Attacks on Ukrainian Railways
Ukraine has reported a dramatic increase in Russian attacks targeting its national railway system. According to deputy prime minister Oleksii Kuleba, there has been a threefold increase in assaults since July as Moscow attempts to disrupt a crucial logistical network.
The rail network carries over 63% of the country's freight, including vital grain shipments, and 37% of passenger traffic. It also serves as a primary route for military assistance from foreign allies.
Kuleba emphasised the deliberate nature of these attacks, stating: 'What we have seen in these escalating attacks is that they are going after trains, especially trying to kill the drivers.'
Anti-Corruption Overhaul in Ukrainian Energy
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a comprehensive restructuring of state-owned energy companies following a major corruption scandal. Anti-graft investigators allege approximately $100 million has been embezzled in the scheme.
Zelenskyy has already forced the resignation of two ministers and sanctioned a former business partner identified as the alleged mastermind. The president declared that 'alongside a full audit of their financial activities, the management of these companies is to be renewed'.
He demanded a new supervisory board for the state nuclear company Energoatom be established 'within a week' to enable a complete management overhaul. Similar reforms were ordered for hydropower company Ukrhydroenergo, oil and gas giant Naftogaz, and other major energy operators.
