In brief
Ukraine resumed attacks on Russian oil facilities on Friday, according to Moscow officials. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said one site took minor damage and air defenses responded as expected. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated the strikes would not interfere with November talks in Abu Dhabi and Russia will keep fighting while talks prepare.
On Friday, Moscow officials said Ukraine attacked three Russian oil refineries and a gas‑chemical complex near the Black Sea.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters the attacks had come after a brief pause. He said one refinery “sustained minor damage” and that Russia’s air defenses performed as expected.
"We had a pause for some time, but today attacks on refineries have resumed, and our enterprises are working on defense," Novak said.
Other Moscow sources said the strikes would not affect the scheduled trilateral meeting on Ukraine settlement that is set for November in Abu Dhabi. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the preparations for the talks do not require a halt to fighting and that Moscow opposes a ceasefire that would give Ukraine a respite.
Peskov added that Russian military operations would continue while the three side talks are drafted, and he would not bring the refinery strikes to the Abu Dhabi table.
Ukraine’s side has not released independent details of the strikes. Reports from Irish broadcaster RTÉ echoed the Moscow narrative that Ukraine has resumed attacks after a short pause, though no further specifics were supplied.
The recent strikes come as global energy markets watch Russia’s refinery output closely, as any sustained damage could influence diesel supply and prices worldwide.
In addition to the three refineries, the gas‑chemical complex was also targeted, according to the Moscow statement. The government said that its defense forces are ready to respond to any future incidents in the area.
Russia’s officials remain firm that the attacks will not derail diplomatic progress in Abu Dhabi, and that talks will continue irrespective of the ongoing clashes on the front line.
