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Ukraine expands oil strikes on Russia as Putin proposes brief ceasefire
Ukrainian drones targeted an oil refinery in Perm, Russia, with a chemical alert later claimed to be a test. Earlier in the week a SBU strike hit a strategic oil-pipeline hub in Perm, and strikes were reported in Tuapse. The Kremlin then announced a pared-back Victory Day parade as Putin spoke with Trump about a one-day ceasefire, while Zelensky sought more information from the US and reaffirmed Ukraine's push for lasting peace.
Why It Matters
The strikes demonstrate deep reach into Russian territory and could shape ongoing tactical and diplomatic dynamics as Moscow faces security concerns and Kyiv pursues a long-term peace effort.
Timeline
8 Events
Kremlin adviser Ushakov on Trump-Putin exchange
April 29, 2026
Kremlin adviser Ushakov said Trump asked Putin for an assessment of the front line; Putin reportedly told him that Russian troops were 'holding the strategic initiative and pushing back the enemy's positions'.
Zelensky seeks more information on Kremlin ceasefire offer
April 29, 2026
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv would ask the US for more information about the Kremlin's ceasefire offer, adding that Ukraine's proposal aims for a long-term ceasefire and lasting peace.
Putin-Trump call on ceasefire
April 29, 2026
In a 90-minute phone call with Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin proposed a one-day ceasefire to be observed that day, with Trump actively supporting the initiative.
Kremlin to pare back Victory Day parade
April 29, 2026
The Kremlin announced it was paring back its yearly military parade to mark Victory Day on May 9 due to what it described as a 'terrorist threat' from Ukraine.
Ukrainian drones strike Lukoil-owned Perm refinery
April 29, 2026
Ukrainian drones hit an Lukoil-owned oil refinery in Perm, central Russia, according to the SBU. Dramatic images showed large columns of smoke and flames; a chemical emergency alert was issued for parts of Perm, later claimed by city authorities to be a test.
SBU hits strategic oil-pipeline hub in Perm
April 28, 2026
Earlier this week, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it had hit a strategic hub for Russia's sprawling oil pipeline system, also in Perm.
ISW assessment of the war effort
April 2026
The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Kyiv's forces are imposing increasing costs and casualties on Russian troops, with the Kremlin likely trying to convince Trump that Russia is closer to victory.
Tuapse oil infrastructure strikes in April 2026
April 2026
Earlier this month, a number of strikes were carried out on oil infrastructure in the city of Tuapse on the Black Sea, leading to significant oil spills.