Ukraine’s deep‑strike operation also targets Black Sea shadow fleet, Zelensky urges peace

President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Ukraine’s latest long‑range strike not only hit two Russian oil refineries but also struck at the so‑called “shadow fleet” operating in the Black Sea.

The Bashneft‑Novol refinery in Bashkortostan and the Slavneft‑Yanos plant in the Yaroslav region were both hit, despite being more than 1,300 kilometres from the active front line.

In addition, Ukrainian forces engaged two Russian naval patrol boats and several auxiliary vessels that have been used to bypass sanctions, further limiting Russia’s ability to project power from the sea.

Zelensky thanked the servicemen for extending Ukraine’s reach and emphasized that such capabilities increase the chances of a diplomatic resolution.

He called on Russia to choose a path of peace, warning that continued aggression will only deepen the humanitarian crisis.

The president also noted that Ukraine is actively seeking more air‑defence aid from partner nations to protect against ongoing missile and drone attacks.