Ukraine hits two oil refineries deep in Russian territory

Both Russia and Ukraine have in recent weeks intensified attacks on major cities, energy facilities and warehouses, as the vast front line remains virtually static and all mediation efforts to end the war have brought no breakthrough.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Zelensky said on Thursday that the struck Bashneft-Novoil refinery in Russia’s Bashkortostan republic was about 1,300km (808 miles) from the Ukrainian border, whereas Slavneft-Yanos was almost 700km (435 miles) away.

The Ukrainian president also said that “two military patrol boats and shadow fleet vessels were hit” in the Black Sea, referring to tankers used by Russia to illegally export sanctioned oil.

“Russia must choose peace,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukrainian attacks were “strengthening chances for diplomacy”.

Evraev said 93 drones were shot down over Yaroslavl region overnight.

“Falling debris hit the oil refinery’s storage tanks. Emergency services are working to extinguish the fire,” he said.

BBC Verify confirmed multiple videos and images shared on social media showing huge smoke plumes rising from the refinery.

In one of the verified images there appear to be at least four fires at the site.

Energy-generating infrastructure in Yaroslavl has been targeted a number of times by Ukraine.

The authorities in Bashkortostan have not publicly commented on the reported Ukrainian attack on the Bashneft-Novoil refinery on 5 August.