Zelenskyy confirms Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries, Black Sea naval targets

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Ukrainian forces carried out long-range strikes on two Russian oil refineries and naval targets in the Black Sea, saying the attacks were aimed at reducing Moscow's ability to finance its war against Ukraine.

In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities had once again targeted Russia's energy infrastructure.

He said Ukrainian forces struck the Bashneft-Novoil oil refinery in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan, more than 1,300km from Ukrainian-controlled territory, as well as the Slavneft-YANOS refinery in Russia's Yaroslavl region, nearly 700km from Ukraine's border.

"Our long-range capabilities have once again worked, reducing Russia's oil revenues, which it uses to finance the war and the killing of Ukrainians," Zelenskyy said.

He added Ukraine had carried out successful strikes against two Russian military patrol boats and vessels belonging to what Kyiv describes as Russia's "shadow fleet" operating in the Black Sea.

Zelenskyy thanked Ukraine's defence forces for expanding the country's long-range strike capabilities, arguing that such operations increase the prospects for diplomacy.

"Russia must choose peace," he said.

Ukraine's General Staff said the operations were conducted during the night of 5-6 August.