Zelenskyy Says Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Oil and Military Sites Are Justified

It formed part of Russia’s largest aerial assault on the country since the war began more than four years ago. A day of mourning was observed in Kyiv on Friday. Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s attacks would not go unpunished. He said he had discussed long-range strikes with senior military, security and intelligence officials.

The Ukrainian leader added that he had also discussed what he described as Moscow’s attempts to draw Belarus deeper into the war. Zelenskyy alleged that Russia was preparing strikes against more than 20 decision-making centres across Ukraine. He said his office and state residence were among the targets, alongside government buildings and military command posts.

Ukraine began responding on Friday to Russian strikes by launching a large-scale long-range drone attack targeting energy and military infrastructure across several Russian regions. At least four people, including a child, were killed in a drone strike in the city of Ryazan, according to the regional governor. Ukrainian drones also struck the local oil refinery, one of the largest in the country.

Footage of tearful Ukrainian soldiers and jubilant Russian troops emerged on Friday after the two countries completed an exchange of 205 prisoners of war each. The swap formed part of last week’s three-day ceasefire. Both sides are expected to exchange a total of 1,000 prisoners each.

The remains of those killed in battle were also exchanged, with Russia handing over 526 bodies in return for the remains of 41 of its soldiers. Last weekend, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested the war was nearing its end. His comments were later echoed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Zelenskyy dismissed those remarks, saying Moscow had no intention of ending the conflict.