Ukraine has successfully struck a major Russian oil refinery in the Rostov region using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, according to Ukrainian military officials. The strike reportedly caused multiple explosions at the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, a key facility for supplying fuel to Russian armed forces. This action represents a significant escalation in Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt Russia’s energy infrastructure and its war-fighting capabilities.
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the successful targeting of the Novoshakhtinsk refinery, stating that “Multiple explosions were recorded. The target was hit.” Officials emphasized the refinery’s critical role in producing petrol products for southern Russia and its direct involvement in supplying the Russian Federation’s armed forces. The United Kingdom had previously authorized Ukraine to deploy Storm Shadow missiles against targets within Russian territory last year.
In parallel to the refinery strike, Ukrainian long-range drones also targeted oil product storage facilities at the southern port of Temryuk in the Krasnodar region. Additionally, a gas processing plant in Orenburg, located approximately 1,400 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, was reportedly hit. Russian authorities confirmed that two storage tanks in Temryuk caught fire, with flames spreading across an estimated 2,000 square meters, highlighting the widespread impact of these drone attacks.
These strikes come as both sides have intensified attacks on energy infrastructure in recent months. Ukraine aims to curb Russia’s oil revenues, a crucial source of funding for its ongoing military operations. The coordinated attacks on multiple energy sites underscore Ukraine’s growing capability to strike deep within Russian territory.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hinted at potential progress on a peace deal, following a “really good conversation” with former US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, on Christmas Day. Zelensky described the discussion as yielding “many details, good ideas,” and highlighted new avenues for achieving “real peace,” encompassing formats, meetings, and timelines.
These discussions followed President Zelensky’s unveiling of an updated 20-point peace proposal. The engagement with US representatives, including Witkoff and Jared Kushner, signals continued diplomatic efforts to find a resolution to the protracted conflict, though the specifics of any potential breakthroughs remain undisclosed.
In separate incidents, Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft operating near Polish airspace over the Baltic Sea. Poland also reported that dozens of objects entered its airspace from Belarus overnight, which it described as a potential provocation during the holiday period. These events underscore the heightened security concerns along NATO’s eastern flank.
Separately, a Russian court sentenced a pro-war activist and critic of President Vladimir Putin to six years in prison for allegedly justifying terrorism. The activist, Sergei Udaltsov, denies the charges, calling the verdict “shameful” and initiating a hunger strike. This sentencing occurs amid a broader crackdown on dissent within Russia.
Newly released transcripts also revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin told former US President George W. Bush in 2001 that Ukraine was historically a part of Russia. Putin reportedly expressed his view that Ukraine was “given away” by Soviet leaders, a statement that provides historical context to Russia’s current stance on Ukraine’s sovereignty.
In diplomatic news, the Kremlin stated it has made an offer to France regarding the fate of French political scholar Laurent Vinatier, who is serving a three-year sentence in Russia and faces potential espionage charges. The Kremlin indicated the next move is with the French authorities, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the ongoing discussions.
Pope Francis, in his Christmas sermon, called for “respectful” dialogue between Russia and Ukraine, urging an end to the violence that has tormented the Ukrainian people. He also drew parallels between the suffering of Ukrainians and Palestinians in Gaza, emphasizing the need for peace and humanitarian concern.
These developments highlight the multifaceted nature of the ongoing conflict, encompassing military strikes, diplomatic overtures, and broader geopolitical tensions. The international community continues to monitor these events closely, seeking pathways toward de-escalation and lasting peace.
