Ukraine strikes deep into Russia, EU finds way to use frozen Russian assets - Weekend brief

Attacks on Russian oil refineries

Ukrainian drones are increasingly targeting key Russian oil refineries, particularly in Ufa, Ilsk, and Novoshakhtinsk, leading to fuel shortages in several regions of Russia.

For example, Rosneft's Saratov oil refinery temporarily stopped receiving oil after a drone attack on Sunday, August 10.

Yesterday, September 13, Russian media reported that strike drones attacked the Novo-Ufa oil refinery in Bashkortostan during the night.

This facility is located approximately 1,500 kilometers from the border with Ukraine.

RBC-Ukraine showed the aftermath of the strike on the Russian plant, as well as the moment of the strike, which was filmed by the Russians.

Moreover, on the night of September 14, 2025, the Kirishi oil refinery in the Leningrad region of Russia was attacked by drones.

RBC-Ukraine sources also reported today that drones from the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine struck the strategic chemical enterprise Metafrax Chemicals in the Perm region of Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the strikes on Russia's oil giants are the fastest sanctions against Russia.

Brussels finds workaround to send Ukraine billions from Russia's frozen assets – Politico

The European Commission has developed a new "creative" scheme to direct billions of euros in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. Brussels proposes to exchange cash for EU bonds, thereby avoiding direct confiscation of Moscow’s funds.

The new proposal, which one official called "legally creative," could unlock a significant stream of additional financing for Kyiv’s war effort without technically expropriating the Russian assets themselves, which would be legally risky.

Polish anti-drone units to train with Ukrainian methods at NATO center

Polish anti-drone units will train at a NATO center in Poland using methods developed by Ukrainian operators. The goal is to improve their ability to counter Russian attacks.

Sikorski said Polish anti-drone teams will learn directly from Ukrainian operators to better defend against future threats.

"The Ukrainians have better equipment for dealing with Russian drones, and they have much deeper and more up-to-date experience of resisting the Russian army," Sikorski said.

Pope Francis drops statement on Vatican mediation in Ukraine war

Pope Leo XIV commented on the Vatican’s role in the war in Ukraine. He stressed that while calls for peace always remain a priority, becoming a direct mediator in this conflict is currently unlikely.

During a recent interview, the Pope distinguished between the Vatican’s role in advocating for peace and its role as a direct mediator in conflicts.