Kyiv hits Russian oil refineries, seeks more Patriot missiles

Kyiv: Ukraine struck more Russian oil facilities overnight, including refineries hundreds of kilometres from the border, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday, as Kyiv intensified attacks aimed at Moscow’s wartime economy.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces hit refineries in Russia’s Bashkortostan and Yaroslavl regions, two military patrol boats in the Black Sea and vessels belonging to Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet. Russia said its air defences shot down 605 Ukrainian drones overnight.

Meanwhile, Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least three civilians and wounded 22. Kyiv is seeking more interceptor missiles as its depleted air defences struggle against Russian barrages. Zelenskyy said he had discussed supplies with Nato chief Mark Rutte and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched four missiles and 101 long-range strike drones overnight, with its air defences shooting down or jamming 66 drones.

—AP

UK sanctions Russian banks, shadow fleet ships

Britain on Thursday imposed sanctions on 19 Russian targets, including six banks and six shadow fleet tankers, as it stepped up pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine war. The package, the first announced by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, also targets four Russian companies importing rare metals used in military equipment.

Miliband said the measures demonstrated Britain’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and curbing those backing the Kremlin. The British government said the sanctions aimed to constrain networks and revenue streams supporting Russia’s war. Britain has sanctioned more than 3,400 individuals, entities and ships under its Russia sanctions regime so far.