Ukraine has reportedly struck an oil depot in Russia despite warnings from US President Donald Trump. More than 500 drones are believed to have been launched at targets in Russia overnight, with video footage showing the aftermath of what appeared to be a devastating strike on an oil depot in Valuyki, Belgorod Oblast.
First Strike Since Ceasefire Declaration
The attack marks the first Ukrainian strike on energy infrastructure since Trump declared an "energy ceasefire" just days earlier. Earlier this week, Trump insisted that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to stop striking each other's energy infrastructure.
The US also threatened to cut intelligence and freeze the PURL weapons mechanism if Kyiv were to resume energy strikes. Kyiv responded with: "We will burn Russian refineries."
Zelensky's Response and Continued Attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces had struck at least six Ukrainian energy facilities since the US president declared the truce on Sunday. Energy infrastructure has been a repeat target by both countries throughout the conflict.
Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries and logistics with long-range strikes in response to Russian attacks since the war started more than four-and-a-half years ago. Russia has repeatedly tried to knock out Ukraine's power and heat in successive winters.
UK Support and Calls for Sanctions
On Tuesday, the UK's foreign affairs ministry said Zelensky would arrive in the UK during the morning, and the UK called on international partners to step up sanctions on Russia and increase pressure on Putin to respect the US calls for an energy ceasefire.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said, ahead of his meeting with Zelensky, "Our rock-solid support to Ukraine is vital for keeping us safe here in the UK and ensuring those on the frontlines have the equipment they need to push back Russia. My message to the Ukrainian people could not be clearer, we are with you for as long as it takes, and we will go further and faster in our support to back your courageous fight for peace in Europe."
"It is not just the right thing to do, but it’s the necessary thing to do. Russia's aggression cannot be allowed to succeed on our continent."
