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Ukraine Strikes Key Russian Oil Refinery as Moscow Tests Hypersonic Missile

Kyiv/Moscow – Ukraine targeted a major Russian oil refinery over the weekend as both nations intensified aerial strikes on critical infrastructure, while Russia launched a hypersonic missile in a show of military strength amid escalating hostilities in the war’s fourth year. The Ukrainian military said it successfully hit the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad region, a significant facility in one of the world’s top oil-exporting countries. Ukrainian officials described the attack as a “successful strike,” citing explosions and fire at the site, though the extent of the damage remains unverified. Leningrad regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed the refinery was targeted by three drones, which were destroyed. Debris sparked a fire that was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported. The strike comes as Ukraine vows to continue targeting infrastructure used by Russia to transport troops, fuel, and ammunition to front-line positions. Ukrainian forces reported downing 164 drones and a ballistic missile during overnight attacks, while Russia claimed to have intercepted 361 drones and multiple HIMARS rockets. Amid the ongoing drone warfare, Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced the test launch of a Zircon hypersonic missile from the Admiral Golovko frigate in the Barents Sea. The missile launch was part of the “Zapad” (West) joint strategic exercises with Belarus, which also included long-range anti-submarine aircraft and Su-34 fighter-bombers conducting simulated strikes on ground targets. Meanwhile, cross-border instability continues to ripple across the region: Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the railway incidents but reiterated its commitment to disrupting Russia’s military logistics. In a related development, Ukrainian military leadership revealed potential plans to reduce mobile internet quality in targeted regions to prevent Russian drones from transmitting images in real time. On the diplomatic front, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would support new sanctions against Russia only if all NATO allies agree to cease oil imports from Moscow and implement coordinated sanctions. As drone strikes and military exercises escalate, NATO announced a new security initiative—Eastern Sentry—to reinforce its eastern flank. Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the operation will involve allied assets from Denmark, France, the UK, and Germany. “This military activity will commence in the coming days,” Rutte said, alongside U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s top European commander. The surge in military action and cross-border incidents underscores growing tensions as the war grinds on, with both sides leveraging technology and strategic infrastructure attacks in an increasingly volatile conflict.

Ukraine targets key Russian oil refinery as Moscow tests hypersonic missile Published On 14 Sep 2025

Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Refinery as Moscow Launches Hypersonic Missile in Escalating Conflict

Fola Badmus5 days ago5 days ago04 mins

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a drone strike on one of Russia’s largest oil refineries, the Kirishi facility in the Leningrad region, amid an intensifying exchange of aerial attacks between the two nations. The strike, confirmed by both Kyiv and Moscow, is part of Ukraine’s ongoing strategy to target infrastructure supplying Russian troops and fuel to the front lines. The Russian Ministry of Defence reported shooting down more than 360 drones overnight, along with HIMARS rockets and guided bombs. Ukraine’s military said it intercepted 164 drones and a ballistic missile during the same period. While Ukraine called the Kirishi refinery strike a “successful operation,” the extent of the damage remains unclear. Leningrad Governor Alexander Drozdenko stated that three drones were destroyed in the area, with a fire caused by debris quickly extinguished and no reported injuries. The refinery attack came amid a series of disruptive incidents across Russia’s transportation infrastructure, including two separate freight train derailments in Leningrad and a deadly rail explosion in the western Oryol region. Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the rail incidents but has stated it will continue targeting supply routes critical to Russia’s war effort. Meanwhile, Russia escalated its own operations, testing a Zircon (Tsirkon) hypersonic cruise missile during joint military exercises with Belarus in the Barents Sea. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the missile test as part of the ongoing “Zapad” (West) drills, which also involved bomber strikes and anti-submarine operations. As these hostilities unfold, regional tensions continue to rise. NATO allies Poland and Romania reported breaches of their airspace by Russian drones during strikes on Ukraine, prompting emergency responses from fighter jets. NATO has since announced “Eastern Sentry,” a new initiative to reinforce security along its eastern flank. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has signaled potential new sanctions against Russia—but only if all NATO members agree to cease buying Russian oil, a proposal that may prove difficult to implement. With the conflict now in its fourth year, both sides appear to be ramping up both offensive and defensive measures as global concerns over escalation and cross-border incidents intensify.

Putin Warns Western Troops in Ukraine Would Be Legitimate Targets

Fola Badmus2 weeks ago2 weeks ago05 mins

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia – Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine as part of Western-backed security guarantees would be treated as a “legitimate target” by Russian forces, rejecting international efforts to shore up post-war security in the region. The statement, delivered Friday during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, comes after 26 countries pledged to provide troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace agreement with Russia, a plan proposed at a summit in Paris the day prior. “If some troops appear there, especially now during the fighting, we proceed from the premise that they will be legitimate targets,” Putin said. He added that any foreign military presence would undermine, not support, long-term peace efforts. Putin insisted that Ukraine’s growing military alignment with the West remains one of the “root causes” of the war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. “If decisions are reached that lead to peace, to long-term peace, then I simply do not see any sense in their presence on the territory of Ukraine, full stop,” he said. The summit of what has been dubbed a “coalition of the willing” saw several NATO and EU member states agree to send troops to Ukraine to deter future Russian aggression—particularly if peace is brokered through ongoing diplomatic efforts, including those reportedly being pursued by former U.S. President Donald Trump. However, questions remain over the level of U.S. participation. While some Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, were physically present at the Paris summit, others, such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, joined remotely. Trump, who has opened direct communication channels with Moscow, has previously said the U.S. would not commit ground troops but might offer other forms of military support, such as air power. Speaking after the summit, Trump confirmed he would be speaking with Putin soon. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that such a call could be arranged “quickly” if needed. Peskov also sharply criticized the Paris proposal, calling it “definitely not acceptable.” He said any deployment of international or NATO troops near Russia’s borders would be seen as a direct threat. Instead, he pointed to the 2022 Istanbul peace framework, in which Ukraine would agree to a neutral, non-nuclear status and forgo NATO membership, in exchange for security assurances from major powers including Russia, the U.S., China, the UK, and France. While the Kremlin continues to reference the Istanbul framework, Western leaders have highlighted Russia’s repeated violations of past agreements, particularly between 2014 and 2022, when Moscow-backed separatists fought Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine. Under the Paris summit’s proposal, a “reassurance force” would patrol Ukrainian territory to enforce any post-conflict agreement. The plan is seen by some as a response to mounting concerns over Trump’s stance on the war and fears that a second Trump presidency could embolden the Kremlin. Putin reiterated that any future security arrangement must account for Russia’s interests, not just Ukraine’s. “I repeat once again, of course, Russia will implement these agreements. But, in any case, no one has discussed this with us at a serious level yet,” he said.

Trump: No Business With Putin Until War Settled Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Is Counting on US

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

As President Donald Trump heads to Alaska for a high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he underscored that no business dealings between the U.S. and Russia will take place until the war in Ukraine is “settled”—a clear signal of linkage between economic engagement and progress on peace. On board Air Force One, Trump conveyed his hope that the Alaska meeting could pave the way for broader diplomacy, with potential follow-up talks involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “I’m not here to negotiate for Ukraine, I’m here to get them at a table,” he stated, emphasizing that any territorial discussions must be decided by Kyiv. President Zelenskyy—excluded from the summit—stressed Ukraine’s reliance on American leadership. He called for genuine engagement that leads to a “just peace” and urged inclusion in future negotiations, asserting that without Ukraine’s input, any decision would be meaningless. The meeting takes place against a backdrop of rising tensions and persistent skepticism. Trump’s linkage of business engagement to conflict resolution reflects his approach, while critics remain wary that sidelining Ukraine undermines both the peace process and Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Trump Orders Nuclear Submarines Closer to Russia Amid Escalating Tensions with Medvedev

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

United States President Donald Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines closer to Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in his ongoing war of words with Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev. In a post on his platform, Truth Social, Trump said the move was a direct response to what he described as “highly provocative statements” made by Medvedev earlier in the week, including warnings about Russia’s Cold War-era nuclear weapons system, commonly referred to as the “Dead Hand.” “I have ordered two nuclear submarines to be positioned in the appropriate regions, just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that,” Trump wrote. “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences. I hope this will not be one of those instances.” This latest exchange follows a string of increasingly hostile remarks between both leaders in recent months. Medvedev, once Russia’s president and now a key Putin ally, has used social media to taunt Trump, while Trump has publicly lambasted Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and openly criticized Medvedev’s rhetoric. Earlier this week, Trump dismissed concerns over India-Russia trade relations, instead taking aim at Medvedev: “Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let’s keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he’s still President, to watch his words. He’s entering very dangerous territory!” Medvedev responded sarcastically on Telegram, invoking Trump’s apparent love for “The Walking Dead” and mocking the U.S. leader’s warnings. “If some words from the former president of Russia trigger such a nervous reaction from the high-and-mighty president of the United States, then Russia is doing everything right,” Medvedev wrote.“And as for ‘dead economies’ and ‘dangerous territory’ — well, let Trump remember his favourite films about the ‘Walking Dead.’” Rising Nuclear Rhetoric This isn’t the first time the two have exchanged nuclear threats. Back in June, Trump accused Medvedev of casually referencing nuclear weapons and offering warheads to Iran. He responded by highlighting America’s powerful nuclear submarine fleet, calling them “the most powerful and lethal weapons ever built.” The confrontation adds to concerns over global stability as nuclear rhetoric intensifies from both sides. Frustrations Over Ukraine The clash also reflects Trump’s growing frustration with the stalled efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, which has dragged on since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite entering his second term promising to be a “global peacemaker,” Trump has faced criticism for appearing to favor concessions to Russia in earlier negotiations. In recent weeks, however, he has adopted a tougher stance—imposing deadlines on Moscow and warning of severe economic sanctions. “Russia — I think it’s disgusting what they’re doing,” Trump said on Thursday, following fresh Russian shelling of Kyiv. Medvedev has dismissed Trump’s threats as “theatrical,” warning that his confrontational approach risks triggering a wider conflict—possibly involving the U.S. “Each new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with his own country,” Medvedev said. As tensions rise and military assets are repositioned, the world watches closely, with fears of further escalation between the world’s leading nuclear powers. Source: By Al Jazeera

Trump Gives Russia 10–12 Days to End Ukraine War: “No Reason in Waiting”

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Turnberry, Scotland — July 28, 2025U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a sharp new ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, demanding an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days — significantly reducing the 50-day deadline he initially set earlier this month. Speaking during a press conference alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed frustration with Russia’s continued military offensive in Ukraine and signaled growing impatience with the lack of progress toward a ceasefire. “I’m going to make a new deadline of about … 10 or 12 days from today,” Trump said. “There’s no reason in waiting. We just don’t see any progress being made.” The Kremlin has yet to issue a formal response. Trump’s warning comes as Moscow intensifies airstrikes across Ukraine, despite several diplomatic overtures from the U.S. and its European allies. A recent ceasefire deal remains in limbo, with Russian forces reportedly escalating attacks in key areas including Kyiv and eastern border regions. The U.S. president, who returned to office this year with a promise to end the conflict within 24 hours, continues to present himself as a peacemaker, but has faced criticism for his mixed signals. Though he has repeatedly threatened sanctions and tariffs on Russia and countries buying Russian exports, his administration has been cautious in implementing such measures. “I don’t want to do that to Russia. I love the Russian people,” Trump said Monday.“But if you know what the answer is going to be, why wait?” Trump also expressed disappointment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he accused of stalling peace efforts. He referenced past conversations with Putin, saying: “We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever. And I say that’s not the way to do it.” With tensions rising and the international community watching closely, the next 10 days could prove critical for diplomatic relations — and for Ukraine’s war-ravaged future.

50 Feared Dead in Russian Plane Crash

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

A Russian Antonov An-24 passenger plane carrying about 50 people crashed in the country’s far east on Thursday and everyone on board was feared to have been killed, emergency services officials said. The burning fuselage of the plane, which was made in the Soviet era and was nearly 50 years old, was spotted on the ground by a helicopter and rescue crews were rushing to the scene. Video shot from a helicopter and posted on social media, showed the plane came down in a densely forested area. Pale smoke could be seen rising from the crash site. The plane was on a flight by a privately owned Siberian-based regional airline called Angara. The aircraft’s tail number showed it was built in 1976 and was operated by Soviet flag carrier Aeroflot before the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. The plane was en route from the city of Blagoveshchensk to Tynda, a remote town and important railway junction in the Amur region bordering China. It dropped off radar screens while preparing to land. There were 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members on board according to preliminary data, Vasily Orlov, the regional governor said. The federal Russian government put the number of passengers on board at 42. Debris from the plane was found on a hill around 15 km (10 miles) from Tynda, the Interfax news agency quoted emergency service officials as saying. “During the search operation, an Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire,” the emergency services ministry said on Telegram. “Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident.” Angara airline is based in the Siberian city of Irkutsk and serves airports in Siberia and Russia’s far east. It operates 10 An-24s built between 1972 and 1976, according to the RussianPlanes web-portal.

Russia to Import 1 Million Indian Workers to Fill Labor Gaps Amid Ukraine War Strains

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Russia plans to bring in up to one million Indian workers by the end of 2025 to combat severe labor shortages in its industrial sectors, especially in the Sverdlovsk region, officials say. Andrey Besedin, head of the Ural Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCPP), disclosed the initiative during a recent event, noting that the move comes amid mounting workforce gaps caused by military mobilization and declining interest in factory jobs among Russian youth. The labor plan, reportedly developed in coordination with Indian counterparts, will be facilitated by the opening of a new Indian consulate in Yekaterinburg. The recruited workforce will include both general laborers and highly skilled specialists. Besedin added that Russia is also in talks with Sri Lanka and North Korea for similar labor supply agreements, as the country scrambles to maintain productivity in key sectors while facing international sanctions and wartime disruptions. He acknowledged that while the influx could help stabilize industries, integrating the foreign workers would present cultural and operational challenges. “We must prepare for a complex adaptation process,” he said, citing differences in work ethics and practices. The mass recruitment drive highlights the growing internal strain on Russia’s economy amid its prolonged war in Ukraine, which has pulled tens of thousands of working-age men into military service and reduced the available industrial workforce.