A Ukrainian drone attack has caused another major fire at the Russian oil refinery in the city of Tuapse, marking the third assault on the Black Sea port in less than two weeks. Dense black smoke billowed from the refinery, which has an annual production capacity of about 12 million tonnes. The facility had already halted production on 16 April due to previous drone damage that made shipping impossible, according to industry sources.
Putin Condemns Attack as Civilian Strike
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the drone strike as a “strike against civilian infrastructure.” However, Kyiv maintains that the campaign is designed to disrupt Russia’s oil industry and reduce revenues that fund the war, making such facilities legitimate military targets.
Evacuations and Environmental Impact
The head of the Tuapse district, Sergei Boyko, ordered residents living near the refinery to evacuate by bus to a local school. Following an attack on 20 April, black rain fell on the town and a popular beach resort, leaving an oily residue. Putin has dispatched an emergencies minister to Tuapse to manage the situation.
King Charles Urges US Support for Ukraine
In a speech to the US Congress, King Charles made a pointed reference to the defense of Ukraine. He stated: “In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, when NATO invoked Article Five for the first time, and the UN Security Council was united in the face of terror, we answered the call together. Today, that same unyielding resolve is needed for the defense of Ukraine and her most courageous people.”
Prince Harry’s Visit and Trump’s Reaction
Last week, Prince Harry visited Kyiv and urged American leadership to honor its obligations in the conflict, noting that the US was among the countries that convinced post-Soviet Ukraine to give up nuclear weapons in exchange for security commitments. President Trump rebuffed those comments, saying Harry “is not speaking for the UK.” However, Trump may find it harder to dismiss remarks by the King, whom he admires.
Acting US Ambassador to Ukraine Steps Down
The acting US ambassador to Ukraine, Julie Davis, will step down after less than a year, according to the State Department. The Financial Times reported that Davis grew frustrated with Trump’s lack of support for Ukraine, echoing the reason her predecessor left. The State Department stated she is simply retiring.
Hungarian Election Winner Proposes Meeting with Zelenskyy
Hungarian election winner Péter Magyar has proposed a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss minority rights of ethnic Hungarians in western Ukraine. Unlike his rival Viktor Orbán, Magyar does not openly support Russia but opposes fast-track Ukrainian EU membership and emphasizes resolving grievances over ethnic Hungarians. Orbán has been accused of exaggerating these issues. Ethnic Hungarians are among those fighting for Ukraine, including the head of Ukraine’s drone force.
