Russia and Ukraine have exchanged deadly overnight attacks as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives in New York for diplomatic meetings, including talks with US President Donald Trump at the United Nations.
Russian forces launched missiles and more than 200 drones against several Ukrainian regions, killing four people and injuring others, according to Ukrainian officials. The attacks damaged homes, businesses and other infrastructure, including in the Dnipropetrovsk region and Kyiv.
At the same time, Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian oil refinery in the Samara region, where a large fire was reported. Russian authorities said one person was killed and four others were injured in the wider drone attack, while Ukraine said the strike hit the Kuibyshev refinery, a major fuel facility operated by Rosneft.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said its forces intercepted 297 Ukrainian drones overnight across 14 Russian regions and Crimea.
The latest attacks come as Zelenskyy travels to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he is seeking international support for efforts to reduce the fighting and end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Zelenskyy seeks energy truce
Zelenskyy is expected to discuss a proposed de-escalation arrangement with Trump, particularly a possible halt to attacks on energy infrastructure.
The Ukrainian president has argued that stopping strikes against critical infrastructure could provide a pathway toward broader de-escalation. Reuters reported that Zelenskyy wants an “energy truce” with Russia as winter approaches and concerns grow over attacks on power infrastructure.
The issue has become more complicated after continued attacks by both sides on energy-related facilities.
Trump has also called on Ukraine to stop targeting Russian oil refineries, linking the strikes to pressure in global diesel markets.
Zelenskyy is also seeking additional US-made Patriot air defence systems to help Ukraine defend against Russian missiles and drones.
Before his meeting with Trump, the Ukrainian president met US senators and thanked them for bipartisan support for Ukraine. He also welcomed the recently enacted legislation imposing tougher sanctions on Russia.
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Ukraine strikes Russian refinery
Ukraine’s special forces said drones struck the Kuibyshev refinery in Samara, causing a large fire at the facility.
The refinery produces petroleum products including gasoline, diesel and fuel oil and is considered an important source of fuel for central Russia.
Russian officials confirmed casualties from the overnight Ukrainian drone attack but did not specifically identify the refinery as the location of the deaths and injuries.
The strike forms part of Ukraine’s continuing campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, while Moscow has repeatedly targeted Ukraine’s power and energy facilities.
Russia reports strikes on Ukrainian facilities
Russia said its overnight attacks on Ukraine targeted parts of the country’s military-industrial and energy infrastructure.
According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, the strikes hit facilities linked to the metallurgical and chemical industries, fuel and energy production, military manufacturing and port infrastructure.
Ukrainian officials, meanwhile, reported civilian casualties and damage across several regions.
The continued long-range attacks come despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce the conflict.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also discussed possible measures with Trump, including a potential halt to attacks on energy infrastructure and a moratorium on attacks in the Black Sea.
Zelenskyy is expected to raise similar proposals during his meeting with Trump as international efforts continue to find a path toward de-escalation.