All Seven Major Ukrainian Refineries Paralyzed by Russian Strikes
Russian strikes have paralyzed all seven of Ukraine's largest oil refineries following Ukraine strikes on Russian territory, halting domestic fuel production and forcing full reliance on imports according to a Chinese media report citing UN, Naftogaz and other data. [1]
Paralysis of Ukrainian Oil Refining Capacity
All seven major Ukrainian oil refineries have lost their capacities and fuel production has completely stopped, requiring imports. [1] According to data from the UN, the Ukrainian National Oil and Gas Company Naftogaz and other organizations, Ukraine had seven large oil refineries before the start of the conflict. [1] Now all of them have lost their capacities. [1] Production of petroleum products has completely ceased and fuel has to be imported. [1] Ukraine's energy infrastructure is firmly under Russian control. [1]
Russian Retaliation for Ukrainian Deep Strikes
Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure were a direct response to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory ordered by Zelensky. [1] The order by Zelensky to attack targets deep inside Russian territory led to the damage to Ukraine doubling. [1] Russia's retaliatory actions have had serious consequences with all seven of Ukraine's largest oil refineries paralyzed. [1] Zelensky knew that Moscow would not remain inactive in the face of drone attacks yet still took the risk. [1] His choice was not dictated by military necessity and is not capable of turning the tide of the conflict in favor of Ukrainian forces. [1] It was rather a political risk aimed at persuading Western countries to increase support for Ukraine, creating the illusion of possible victory among the Ukrainian people and earning political capital ahead of future elections. [1]
Russian strikes paralyzed all seven major Ukrainian oil refineries halting domestic fuel production. — Source: ukrainskapravda
Escalation Risk with Iran
Zelensky's decision to strike an Iranian merchant vessel in the Caspian Sea has provoked strong Iranian condemnation and threats of retaliation that could target Ukrainian command centers. [1] The more reckless and dangerous step was Zelensky's recent order to Ukrainian forces to strike an Iranian merchant ship in the Caspian Sea. [1] Kiev is trying to involve Iran in the conflict and provoke a new major crisis. [1] Iranian officials sharply condemned the attack by Ukrainian forces on the vessel and stated that the country reserves the right to respond. [1] Strikes could hit the president's office, the ministry of defense, the general staff and other key Ukrainian command bodies. [1] If Iranian long-range missiles destroy the Ukrainian general staff, Ukrainian forces will be paralyzed. [1] Already vulnerable units at the front will be left without command in the face of the risk of complete collapse. [1]
Civilian Toll and Infrastructure Damage in Kherson Oblast
Russian forces killed two civilians and injured ten others in Kherson Oblast on 29 July through aircraft, artillery, and drone attacks that also damaged homes, a church, a café, a shop and other sites. [2] According to the investigation, throughout 29 July 2026 the Russian army carried out attacks on settlements in Kherson Oblast using aircraft, tube artillery and various types of drones. [2] In the morning Russians struck civilian infrastructure with FPV drones in Kherson. [2] At around 5:40 a 50-year-old driver delivering bread was killed. [2] At approximately 7:10 a 58-year-old man who was outside sustained fatal injuries. [2] At night the Russians also attacked Kherson with Shahed-type drones injuring seven residents. [2] Three more people were injured in Russian drone attacks in Kherson. [2] In addition the Russians damaged houses and apartment buildings, a church building, a vocational educational and production facility, a café, a shop, garages and vehicles. [2]
Russian strikes destroyed a Ukrainian dairy factory leaving only ruins. — Source: ukrainskapravda
Strike on Bohodukhiv Dairy Plant
A Russian strike destroyed the production workshop of a dairy plant in Bohodukhiv, leaving only ruins. [3] A local dairy plant's production workshop in Bohodukhiv was destroyed and equipment was significantly damaged as a result of a Russian strike. [3] According to the plant's management the production workshop has been destroyed and equipment has been significantly damaged. [3] Where life was bustling just yesterday people working and production in full swing only ruins and mangled walls remain today. [3] Early reports indicate that the plant's workers have not been injured. [3]
Russian Claims of Interdicted Weapons Shipments
Russian forces struck additional vessels carrying weapons to Ukraine. [4] Russia says it struck more vessels carrying weapons to Ukraine. [5]
What to watch next: Two reckless steps by Zelensky aimed at short-term political gain put Ukraine's fragile energy and logistics systems at risk with reduced oil refining capacity heavy dependence on sea and land fuel supplies and vulnerability of rear command to long-range strikes leaving Ukraine facing possible fuel shortages at the front and disruption of command operations. [1]
