Russia launches 69 missiles and around 260 drones at Kremenchuk refinery, says Shmyhal
Russian forces continue massive strikes on Ukraine’s oil refining industry. The Kremenchuk Oil Refinery alone was hit by 69 missiles and around 260 drones, Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal told the Verkhovna Rada.
“Most supplies come from Poland, Lithuania, Romania, and Greece. In total, imports arrive from more than ten countries. The situation with fuel availability is currently under control. The government is in constant contact with networks and provides assistance wherever possible,” Shmyhal said.
He added that Ukraine currently has nearly 100,000 tonnes of gasoline and diesel in reserve, compared with 64,000 tonnes of gasoline and 83,000 tonnes of diesel on 1 February. Despite Russia’s attempts to destroy the oil refining sector, most fuel supply contracts are being fulfilled.
“This March alone, Ukraine has already imported nearly 250,000 tonnes of gasoline, diesel, and liquefied gas,” he said.
Shmyhal stressed that Russia is attempting to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, including oil refining, using thousands of missiles and drones. “In total, 60 cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as 260 drones, struck the Kremenchuk refinery. Many more were launched,” he said.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russian attacks on the refinery have repeatedly caused large-scale fires.
Separately, the Russian Federation may prepare a new massive strike on Ukraine in the coming days. The National Security and Defence Council has urged the public to respond carefully to air raid alerts.
On the night of 13 March, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with a ballistic missile and over 100 strike drones. Ukrainian air defence engaged the targets, destroying enemy aerial threats. The exact number of missiles and drones destroyed is still being verified.
Meanwhile, Russian forces lost another 860 soldiers on the front line in the past 24 hours, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Ukrainian troops also repelled 122 enemy attacks along the entire front line, with the heaviest fighting in the Huliaipole and Kostiantynivka directions. The enemy used air strikes, kamikaze drones, and artillery, but Ukrainian forces inflicted systematic fire damage on the occupiers.
