Zelenskyy: Defense forces targeted the oil refinery in Yaroslavl
On May 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian long-range drones had carried out combat operations that night. According to him, strikes were launched against Russian oil refining infrastructure, specifically against facilities in Yaroslavl, located approximately 700 km from the border with Ukraine. Zelenskyy also reported that Russian casualties on the front lines since the beginning of 2026 have exceeded 145,000.
“We are continuing our defensive operations in designated areas of active combat. Today, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on the use of long-range drones against Russian oil refineries and export facilities. In particular, last night the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck an oil refinery in Yaroslavl—about 700 kilometers from our territory. We are bringing the war back home to Russia, and this is entirely justified,” he wrote on Telegram on Friday.
According to the president, strikes were also carried out last night against specific targets in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. “We are preparing further demonstrations of our long-range strikes and mid-range strikes in response to Russian attacks on our cities and communities,” the president said.
Zelenskyy also noted that he and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine had discussed the situation on the front lines in detail.
According to his data, since the beginning of 2026, Russian losses on the front have already exceeded 145,000 personnel. Specifically, nearly 86,000 have been killed, at least 59,000 have been seriously wounded, and more than 800 Russian servicemen have been taken prisoner.
“We are achieving our objectives in the border areas of the Sumy region. We continue to eliminate Russian personnel and the occupiers’ equipment in other sectors as well. I would especially like to thank our drone operators for their accuracy. Active operations are also ongoing, for which the paratroopers and assault troops deserve special recognition. Thank you to every Ukrainian unit that is achieving results,” wrote the head of the Ukrainian state.
Zelenskyy also ordered the strengthening of air defenses near Belarus.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated from Slavutych that Ukraine is ready to take preemptive action in the event of threats from Belarus and Russia’s border regions. According to him, the situation in the northern sector requires additional reinforcement of defenses and attention to community safety. The president also separately warned the Belarusian leadership about the possible consequences of any aggressive steps.
Alexander Lukashenko stated that he is allegedly ready to visit Ukraine and discuss relations with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In Kyiv, such statements were met with the utmost restraint and firmness, with officials reminding him of Belarus’s role in the war.
