Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced today that the Ufa oil refinery, located over 1,300 km from the front line, is one of Russia's largest lubricant production facilities. He stated this marks the second time in one week that Ukraine has targeted this facility as part of its long-range strike campaign against Russia.
“Every day, our long-range punitive plan against Russia is implemented. This is a completely justified response to everything Russia has done to us,” he said.
Zelensky also reported that Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attacked the Scientific Research Institute of Physical Measurements (NIIFI), a Russian defense industry enterprise in the Penza region.
Video shows smoke rising from Ukrainian strike locations in Russia, posted by Zelensky on 1/7. *Video: X/Volodymyr Zelensky*.
The General Staff of Ukraine later confirmed NIIFI, a subsidiary of the state corporation Roscosmos's Russian Space Systems, was the target. This facility reportedly produces sensors for Iskander, Kalibr, and Kh-101 missiles, components for Su-34, Su-35, and Tu-95MS aircraft, and equipment for Russian military satellites.
Smoke was observed at the facility, with the extent of the damage currently under assessment. Penza is located approximately 550 km northeast of the Ukraine-Russia border.
Oleg Melnichenko, the Penza regional governor, confirmed that Ukrainian UAVs struck two industrial plants in the city, injuring two people. Melnichenko did not name the attacked plants or describe the damage.
The General Staff of Ukraine also reported its forces attacked a road bridge over the Malyi Kalchyk river in Donetsk province, a railway bridge over the Tepla river near Nyzhnioteple in Lugansk province, and a military logistics hub near Novoocheretuvate in Donetsk province.
According to the Ukrainian military, Russian forces use these routes to transport troops, weapons, ammunition, and military supplies.
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Location of Ukraine and Ufa. *Graphic: Euromaidan Press*.
Ukraine has recently escalated attacks on military and energy infrastructure deep within Russian territory and Moscow-controlled areas. These strikes aim to weaken Russia's capacity to continue the war. On 25/6, President Zelensky announced a 40-day “long-range punitive” campaign, intended to pressure Russia into ending the conflict.
On 28/6, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that recent Ukrainian strikes had caused “certain short-term fuel shortages” in several Russian regions, adding that the government was working to resolve the issue.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated today that Russia's domestic fuel market is fully supplied with gasoline and diesel, emphasizing that issues are being resolved quickly.
