Russia launched an overnight ballistic missile attack against Kyiv early on June 28 – a clear response to Ukraine’s escalating campaign of long-range strikes deep inside Russian territory. The strikes forced residents into bomb shelters as air defense systems engaged incoming missiles over the Ukrainian capital city.
The strikes also came as Ukraine targeted two oil refineries in Russia as well as other major infrastructure.
Neptune Cruise Missile Ukraine Government Photo
According to Ukrainian officials, the missile attack ignited fires across the city and wounded at least two people.
Russian authorities also reported fatalities and infrastructure damage, as well as a major fire at one of its refineries.
Russia Launches Ballistic Missile Attack On Kyiv
Air raid sirens sounded in the early hours of Sunday morning in Kyiv, while Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to remain under cover as air defense forces were operating in the capital.
Moments after the statement, explosions could be heard throughout the city as those air defense systems attempted to intercept the incoming missiles. Residents reported seeing large flashes of light in the night sky as emergency services were dispatched to multiple regions throughout the city.
Kyiv City Military Administration head Tymur Tkachenko initially described how fires had broken out in the Darnytsky district, caused by debris from intercepted missiles striking buildings. Tkachenko later confirmed that the attack had injured two civilians, noting, “As of now, the number of wounded in the overnight attack has risen to two.”
Tu-22M Backfire Bomber from Russia. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Emergency services spent the night inspecting damaged buildings and extinguishing fires while authorities assessed the full extent of the damage.
The strike could be viewed as a direct response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent announcement that he had authorized a 40-day-long-range strike campaign intended to raise the cost of Russia sustaining the war.
That being said, Russian forces have launched missiles and drones at Ukraine’s capital city regularly since the beginning of the conflict.
Ukraine Expands Long-Range Drone Campaign
As Russia fired at Kyiv, Ukrainian forces continued their long-range campaign – something Zelenskyy has dubbed “long-range sanctions.” Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that 213 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Russian territory overnight. Russian officials confirmed Ukrainian strikes across several regions, including at infrastructure located in Krasnodar, Bryansk, Belgorod, Volgograd, and Russian-controlled areas of Donetsk.
What Happened In Krasnodar
One of the most significant Ukrainian strikes overnight targeted the Sloviansk oil refinery in Russia’s Krasnodar region. The strike saw a Ukrainian drone ignite a major fire at the facility, adding further pressure to Moscow’s already worsening fuel crisis. Regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev confirmed that the refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani had been struck and that one person was killed. Another civilian was reportedly injured in a nearby village as a result of the attack.
The strike was yet another devastating blow for Russia. The privately owned refinery processes around 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day and supplies both the Russian domestic market and export customers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in a statement that the Sloviansk facility was one of two refineries that were targeted overnight.
“Our warriors began Ukraine’s Constitution Day with great accuracy. Last night, our long-range sanctions reached two oil refineries in Russia. The Sloviansk oil refinery in the Krasnodar region was hit, about 300 kilometers from the frontline. We also reached a refinery in the Yaroslavl region, approximately 700 kilometers from our border,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
“We continue our operations that weaken Russia’s ability to wage this war. Each of our long-range sanctions means fewer resources serving Russia’s war machine, and another step toward peace. We will continue to respond to Russian terror. I thank our warriors for these results! I am grateful to everyone who helps us. Everyone who defends Ukraine also upholds the power of the Constitution,” he added.
The statement also included a video showing the extent of the strikes, with enormous black clouds rising into the air. The flames and smoke could be seen for miles around.
Putin Admits Fuel Crisis Is Growing
The overnight strikes come as Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly accepted the reality of the nation’s growing fuel crisis.
Speaking at a meeting on domestic fuel supplies on June 28, the Russian president described how shortages persist across several regions of Russia and confirmed that he had convened a government task force that is working around the clock to stabilize supplies.
“You are well aware that problems for drivers and for businesses persist,” the Russian president said, adding, “unfortunately, there are still queues at gas stations, too.”
Putin said that Moscow is also considering a nationwide ban on diesel exports to help preserve domestic supplies. He also called for new measures to minimize the impact of Ukrainian attacks on oil infrastructure.
The remarks are easily the clearest acknowledgment from Putin yet that Kyiv’s long-range drone campaign is creating economic pressure that goes well beyond the battlefield, and which is now impacting the daily lives of Russian citizens.
About the Author: Jack Buckby
Jack Buckby is a British researcher and analyst specializing in defense and national security, based in New York. His work focuses on military capability, procurement, and strategic competition, producing and editing analysis for policy and defense audiences. He brings extensive editorial experience, with a career output spanning over 1,000 articles at 19FortyFive and National Security Journal, and has previously authored books and papers on extremism and deradicalization.
