Published on 18/06/2026 – 12:07 GMT+2•Updated 12:20
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv’s drone strike on Moscow’s oil refinery was a direct response to Russia’s attack on the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a sacred Ukrainian site. “If Putin does not seek peace and continues this war, we will not remain passive—we will act with necessary measures,” he declared.
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Zelenskyy emphasized that Moscow’s advanced air defense systems failed to intercept the attack, validating Kyiv’s military strategy. He noted, “This strike was fully justified and demonstrates our resolve to deter further aggression.”
The refinery, supplying 40% of Moscow’s fuel and processing 12 million tonnes of crude annually, is a critical target. Zelenskyy called for intensified international pressure on Russia, urging sanctions targeting energy, weapons, and banking sectors to isolate Putin’s regime.
“The Russian people must hold their leader accountable,” Zelenskyy added, demanding coordinated action from Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S. to end the conflict.
