Ukraine strikes Russian refineries, Russia retaliates

In mid-August 2026, Ukraine intensified its long-range drone campaign against Russian oil infrastructure, striking refineries in Russia — Bashkortostan and Russia — Yaroslavl Oblast, as well as vessels in the Black Sea, including military patrol boats and shadow fleet tankers. The attacks, part of Kyiv's strategy to undermine Russia's wartime economy, caused fires and fuel shortages. Russia retaliated with massive drone and missile barrages across Ukraine, killing civilians and striking infrastructure, including a passenger train in Ukraine — Odesa Oblast. The UN condemned both sides for escalating attacks on populated areas. Ukraine, facing depleted air defenses due to the Iran war, urgently sought MIM-104 Patriot interceptor missiles from allies, with President Zelensky requesting the U.S. to sell 5% of its stockpile. Zelensky also announced a visit to Serbia, a traditional Russian ally, to discuss EU membership and energy cooperation. The conflict has caused record civilian casualties, with the UN reporting a 37% increase in deaths in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.