Moscow: Russia and Ukraine on Sunday traded accusations of air attacks, each claiming to have hit the opponent's energy infrastructure.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that it carried out strikes on Ukrainian airfields, drone assembly workshops, and energy infrastructure used in the interests of Ukraine's armed forces.
On the other side, the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform reported that Kyiv's drone attack set fire to an oil refinery and struck an oil pipeline in Russia's Leningrad region. This exchange of accusations marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy further accused Moscow of sharing intelligence data with Iran, leading to some 50 targets being hit in Israel. Moscow has persistently denied these allegations. Zelenskyy also offered assistance in unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, citing Ukraine's experience in resolving similar issues in the Black Sea by deploying naval drones to escort vessels.
Zelenskyy expressed concerns about the potential impact of the ongoing Iran conflict on Ukraine, particularly in terms of arms shipments. He voiced fears that the US might face shortages in weapons and ammunition, which could affect support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, now in its fifth year.
Additionally, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's presidential office, mentioned that "partners" had requested Ukraine to halt attacks on Russia's oil and gas infrastructure due to the global energy crisis. He did not specify who made the request or whether Kyiv would alter its tactics.
Tensions in the Middle East have intensified since the US and Israel initiated a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, resulting in more than 1,340 fatalities, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Tehran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as neighboring Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Iran has also imposed restrictions on ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz.