KYIV/MOSCOW, 16 November (H.S.): Ukraine launched an audacious drone strike on a Russian oil refinery near Moscow on Saturday, igniting a large fire and marking a significant escalation in its campaign to cripple Russia's war-making capabilities, as the conflict's repercussions reverberated from the front lines to the heart of European energy politics.

Ukrainian military officials on Sunday confirmed the attack on the Ryazan facility, located just 200 kilometers from the Russian capital, as part of a strategic effort to degrade the enemy's logistical strength. While Russian officials maintained the standard narrative that the fire was caused by falling debris from intercepted drones, the event underscores Kyiv's growing reach.

The strike occurred as Russian attacks killed four civilians in southern Ukraine and as Kyiv reported a threefold increase in Russian assaults on its critical railway infrastructure since July, with a deliberate focus on targeting train drivers.

Meanwhile, the war's economic pressures are forcing difficult decisions in the Balkans. The United States has given Serbia a February 13 deadline to oust the majority Russian ownership of its state oil company, NIS, or face the consequences of sanctions, potentially leading to a winter energy crisis.

The Serbian government is set to hold a special cabinet meeting on Sunday to address its precarious position.In Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a major overhaul of state-owned energy companies, including Energoatom and Naftogaz, following the uncovering of an alleged $100 million embezzlement scheme.

The anti-corruption move aims to renew management and restore transparency amid the immense challenges of the ongoing war.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar