A massive drone attack targeted Moscow overnight on September 20-21, damaging several Russian oil facilities. US ex-president Donald Trump reacted on his Truth Social network, stating that Russia had lost control of its diesel sector due to the conflict with Ukraine. He mentioned that many Russian refineries were destroyed and temporarily out of service. This statement came before a scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in New York.
Trump and Zelensky were set to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, having previously spoken by phone on Sunday. Their discussion may involve a possible mutual pause on strikes targeting energy infrastructure and certain Black Sea targets. Trump also denounced the ongoing conflict as "ridiculous and endless," citing approximately 25,000 deaths per month, mostly soldiers. The two leaders' meeting may lead to announcements on a potential truce.
The weekend attack, reportedly involving nearly 450 drones, hit the Kapotnya refinery in Moscow's suburbs. This site supplies over a third of the fuel consumed in the Moscow region and supports Russian military logistics. It was the third attack on this facility since June. Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian refineries since the start of the year.
Ukraine's strategy aims to impact Moscow's war economy and disrupt fuel supplies to Russian forces. An estimated 27 of Russia's 32 large refineries have been hit by Ukrainian drones. Some installations, like the Omsk refinery, were targeted over 2,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This has led to a significant decline in Russian refining capacities.
The attacks have caused local fuel shortages and forced Moscow to extend a moratorium on diesel exports, introduced in late July. In response, Moscow continues to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure, causing regular power outages in several regions. This prolonged campaign against Russian oil facilities preceded the latest drone attacks.
The New York meeting between Trump and Zelensky may result in a mutual agreement to halt strikes on energy sites. However, no official agreement has been confirmed by either delegation. The conflict has led to significant losses on both sides, with Trump describing it as "ridiculous and endless."
The situation remains complex, with ongoing attacks and counterattacks between Ukraine and Russia. A potential truce on energy infrastructure could be a crucial step towards de-escalation. The international community is closely watching developments in the region.
Key points
- Russia's diesel industry has been severely impacted due to the conflict with Ukraine.
- Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian refineries, impacting Moscow's war economy.
- A potential mutual truce on energy infrastructure strikes may be discussed during the Trump-Zelensky meeting.
