Zelensky: Operations against Russia's oil refining sector continue in response to attacks on energy facilities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on November 6 that Ukraine's operations targeting Russia's oil refining sector are continuing. He stressed that these operations are a response to attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities.

Zelensky stated: “Our operations targeting Russia's oil refining sector continue in response to the attacks on our energy facilities.” He also said that Ukraine's long- and medium-range operations and partners' pressure on Russia are creating the conditions for real negotiations.

On the same day, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that a Russian attack on an energy facility in the Zhytomyr area had worsened the capital's electricity supply and lowered pressure in the water supply system. According to him, Kyivvodokanal is switching stations to generators where possible.

The head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, Vitalii Bunechko, said repair crews are assessing the extent of the damage to the equipment. According to him, the timeframe for restoring power supply is not yet known.

At around 19:23 local time, a sound resembling an explosion was heard in Zhytomyr, after which the lights went out in the city. No air raid alert had been announced beforehand.

On October 12, Zelensky had also stated that if Russia wants Ukraine to stop striking its oil refineries, it must stop its strikes on Ukraine's energy system. In recent months the two sides have regularly struck each other's energy infrastructure.

The statements came ahead of talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States to be held in Abu Dhabi. Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed on November 6 that the talks will take place on Tuesday, November 10.