Russian-Ukraine war: Key Developments on Day 1,208

By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 1115 EAT on Monday 16 June 2025

On June 15, 2025, Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed an overnight strike on the Kremenchuk oil refinery in Ukraine’s Poltava region. The refinery, operated by Ukrtatnafta, is Ukraine’s largest producer of petroleum products and has been a recurring target during the ongoing conflict.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, the attack involved sea- and air-launched missiles, as well as strike drones. The refinery is reported to supply fuel to Ukrainian forces in the Donbas region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike, describing it as a “vile” attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. He noted that it occurred after international appeals for restraint, including from the United States, urging Ukraine not to target Russian energy facilities.

The Kremenchuk refinery has been targeted multiple times during the conflict, including a significant attack in April 2022 that led to its temporary shutdown.

As of now, there has been no independent verification of the Russian Ministry of Defence’s claims, and Ukrainian authorities have not issued a formal response.

Russia has claimed control over the village of Malynivka in Donetsk, referring to it by its Soviet-era name, Ulyanovka. This development is part of Russia’s broader strategy to establish a “buffer zone” along its western borders, particularly in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed intentions to enhance security and strategic positioning in this area .

In the Sumy region, Russian forces have reportedly advanced to within approximately 12 miles (20 kilometers) of the city of Sumy, utilizing missiles, bombs, and drones to target civilians and destroy infrastructure. Ukrainian officials view this offensive as a potential propaganda move by Russia to project strength and force Ukraine to spread its limited resources.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukrainian forces are contesting Russian advances in the Sumy region. However, reports indicate that Russian troops have captured over 190 square kilometers in the region and are now within striking distance of Sumy city .

The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military engagements and significant displacement of civilians due to the escalating conflict.

Ukraine Targets Drone Production Facility in Yelabuga, Tatarstan

In a rare and significant long-range operation, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces launched a drone strike on April 23, 2025, targeting a facility in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, located over 1,000 km from Ukraine’s border.

The facility is reported to produce Shahed-2 and Geran-2 loitering munitions, which have been used extensively by Russia in attacks against Ukrainian civilians and energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the strike, stating that the final assembly workshop at the facility was damaged, and explosions were reported in the target area.

The strike on the Yelabuga facility follows a previous attack on April 2, 2024, when Ukrainian drones targeted the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, which houses a joint Russian-Iranian drone production facility.

That attack resulted in a large fireball and caused several injuries. The United Nations condemned the strike, referring to the drone plant as “civilian infrastructure” and calling for a halt to all attacks on civilian infrastructure.

In response to the attacks, Rustam Minnikhanov, the head of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan, urged companies not to rely solely on air defense systems and to implement additional protective measures.

He emphasized the importance of self-reliance in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

These operations highlight Ukraine’s capability to conduct deep strikes into Russian territory, targeting facilities integral to Russia’s military operations. While such actions have drawn condemnation from international bodies, they underscore the ongoing escalation and the expanded scope of the conflict.

European Leaders Urge Stronger Sanctions on Russia Ahead of G7 Summit

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on G7 nations to intensify pressure on Russia to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine. Ahead of the G7 summit in Canada, von der Leyen emphasized the critical role of sanctions, noting that the EU has proposed an 18th sanctions package targeting Russia. However, convincing U.S. President Donald Trump to adopt further U.S. sanctions remains challenging, as he fears it might hinder ceasefire prospects.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these concerns, stating that if Russia does not provide a clear response regarding a proposed truce in Ukraine, President Trump will feel “cheated” and “betrayed,” and will have to react accordingly.

In a recent development, President Macron spoke with President Trump about the ceasefire, welcoming Trump’s call for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Macron stressed the urgency of achieving a ceasefire without delays, warning that if Russia does not agree, Europe and the United States are prepared to respond decisively.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the G7 summit, where discussions on sanctions and support for Ukraine are anticipated to be high on the agenda.

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