Ukrainian Drone Strikes Hit Russian Refineries; U.S. Sanctions

Ukrainian forces launched a wave of drone strikes deep into Russia overnight, striking multiple energy facilities including the Ryazan oil refinery and reportedly damaging the Orenburg gas plant and sites in Makhachkala and Saransk, sparking fires, localized blackouts and fuel shortages. Russian authorities said air defenses intercepted many UAVs but falling debris caused damage and a small number of injuries in Bryansk and Rostov oblasts; Moscow restricted photos and videos from some strike sites while assessing material losses. The attacks coincided with the United States, under President Trump, announcing sweeping sanctions targeting Rosneft and Lukoil to cut Kremlin wartime revenue — a move Kyiv had urged. At the same time Russia launched missile and drone strikes across Ukraine that caused casualties and damage. Analysts say the conflict is intensifying with expanded use of long‑range drones, massed swarms and new unmanned explosive systems, and both sides are rapidly innovating countermeasures and interceptor drones.