Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil, Targets Iran Drones

Ukraine Seals Defense Deals in Middle East Amid Russian Strikes

Ukraine has secured significant defense agreements with several Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. These pacts aim to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and foster joint development in defense production. The agreements follow a productive visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the region, where he noted a positive reception and a shared vision for cooperation.

The cooperation extends to energy, with Ukraine expecting to receive vital resources like diesel. This partnership comes as Middle Eastern countries face increasing threats from Iranian-supplied drones. Ukraine’s involvement includes sending its drone experts to the region to help counter these aerial attacks. This move has drawn accusations from Iran, which claims Ukraine is participating in military aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Ukraine Disrupts Russian Industries

Ukrainian strikes deep within Russia are reportedly crippling its missile production and oil exports. According to Ukrainian officials, nearly 40% of Russia’s monthly missile output and about 45% of its oil exports have been lost due to these attacks. Ukrainian drones have increasingly targeted Russia’s critical infrastructure, including chemical plants vital for ammunition production. Several facilities linked to the manufacturing of key missile systems, like the Iskander and Kinzhal, have also been hit.

Recent drone attacks have specifically targeted major Russian oil export hubs. On March 29th, the Uluga port oil terminal was successfully struck, with satellite images confirming large fires at the Primorsk and Uluga ports. The Uluga port is a crucial Baltic Sea hub for oil product exports. These strikes followed earlier attacks on the Yaglava and Kirishi oil refineries, the latter being one of Russia’s largest.

Zelenskyy Rejects US Peace Plan Demands

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed strong reservations about a proposed U.S. peace plan that reportedly involves territorial concessions from Ukraine. President Zelenskyy stated that while he believes former U.S. President Donald Trump and his team want to end the war, the proposed method of achieving this peace is problematic. He questioned why Ukraine, as the non-aggressor, should bear the cost of such a resolution.

Sources suggest that the U.S. plan, particularly under the Trump administration, may involve pressuring Kyiv to cede territory to Russia. President Zelenskyy indicated that this pressure might increase after the U.S. concludes its operations against Iran. He previously revealed details of a U.S. condition requiring Ukraine to withdraw troops from Donbas in exchange for security guarantees. However, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has denied these claims, calling Zelenskyy’s interpretation of an ultimatum a misrepresentation and stating Washington has a different approach.

Iran Accuses Ukraine, Kyiv Responds

Iran has formally accused Ukraine of actively participating in military aggression against the Islamic Republic. Iran’s permanent representative to the UN, Amir Saedinejad, claimed that sending Ukrainian specialists to the region constitutes direct involvement in conflict and incurs international responsibility. He argued that this assistance contributes to acts of aggression against Iran’s sovereignty.

Ukraine has strongly refuted these accusations. A spokesperson for Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that Iran has supplied Russia with numerous drones used to attack Ukraine, while no Ukrainian drones have ever targeted Iran. Kyiv maintains that its cooperation with Middle Eastern countries focuses on defense against Iranian threats and does not constitute aggression.

Russian Military Circles Urge Peace

Successful Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory are reportedly fueling discussions within Russian military circles about the urgent need to end the conflict. Analysts suggest that the economic damage inflicted by these strikes is causing significant concern among Russian ultra-nationalist commentators. These voices acknowledge that Russia’s economic potential is far outmatched by Ukraine’s allies.

Some Russian military bloggers have expressed pessimism about Russia’s ability to improve its battlefield situation in the coming months. They note Ukraine’s technological adaptation, particularly with drones, and criticize the slow response from Russian military leadership. The growing effectiveness of Ukrainian counterattacks and the disruption of Russian industrial capacity are leading to calls for an immediate resolution to the war.

Source: 😱Zelenskyy slammed US peace plan! Rubio is shocked by his statement. Kremlin is in a state of panic (YouTube)