• Ukrainian drones attacked Moscow's oil refinery for the second time this week.
• Russian forces launched missile strikes on Kyiv, causing destruction and casualties.
• The ongoing conflict has led to a fuel crisis in Russia, prompting fuel imports.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is seeking international support to negotiate peace.

Ukrainian drone strikes targeted Moscow's oil refinery for the second time this week, occurring as tensions escalate between Russia and Ukraine. Witnesses reported flames and thick smoke over the southeastern Kapotnya district where the refinery is located. Moscow authorities confirmed that air defense forces shot down over five dozen drones, with several managing to reach the refinery, causing operational disruptions, according to Indiatimes and South China Morning Post.

This drone attack follows an earlier strike that halted operations at the facility, adding to significant damage to Russian energy infrastructure amidst a growing fuel crisis. In a counter-response, Russian forces launched missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, resulting in reports of explosions and at least one fatality in the northeastern city of Sumy, according to Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

As these hostilities continue, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is actively seeking support from the United States and European leaders to pressure Russia into negotiating an end to the conflict that has lasted over four years. He recently spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, describing the discussions as crucial for coordinating efforts towards peace, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

The ongoing skirmishes have spurred Russia into considering imports of fuel by sea, a response to the inadequacies posed by repeated drone attacks on its refineries, marking a significant strain on its energy sector. Meanwhile, Moscow has accused Ukraine of launching strikes that have resulted in civilian casualties, further complicating the narrative surrounding the conflict, as reported by South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.