Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in Russia's Yaroslavl region, about 700 km from Ukraine, as part of expanded attacks on Russian oil infrastructure on May 22, 2026 [1, 2]. Kyiv has targeted 11 Russian oil facilities in May, including the large Kirishi refinery, forcing many refineries in central Russia to halt or reduce fuel output [1]. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukrainian long-range strikes have reduced Russia’s oil refining capacity by at least 10% in early 2026 [2]. He said, "We are bringing the war back home – to Russia – and that's only fair" [1, 2].
The intensified strikes come as Ukrainian drones attacked a college dormitory in Russian-controlled Luhansk on May 22, killing at least one person according to Russian officials. Leonid Pasechnik said, "Enemy drones attacked the academic building and dormitory of Starobelsk Professional College. At the time of the strike, 86 children aged 14 to 18 were there" [1]. Ukraine has not commented on responsibility.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered military preparations for retaliation against Ukraine over the Luhansk drone strike, which Kyiv denies responsibility for [3, 1].
Zelenskiy also warned that Russia is preparing a strike on Ukraine using the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile. He said, "We are seeing signs of preparation for a combined strike on Ukrainian territory, including Kyiv, involving various types of weaponry. The specified intermediate-range weapons could be used in such a strike" [3]. Russia has previously used the Oreshnik missile twice, in November 2024 and January 2026, with limited damage reported [3].
Zelenskiy gave Russian personnel losses since the start of 2026 as over 145,000, including nearly 86,000 killed and at least 59,000 seriously wounded [2]. He stressed the need for a preventive international response to Russian escalation, saying it must be "not post-factum" [3].
The situation remains tense following Ukraine’s escalation of strikes inside Russia and warnings of a new missile threat. The next key development will be any confirmation on Russian retaliation preparations ordered by Putin.
