Videos from locals shared by Russian media showed towering red flames lighting up thick plumes of smoke against the purple dawn. Saratov Regional Governor Roman Busargin confirmed the strikes took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, acknowledging that "one of the industrial enterprises," but did not specify that they were oil refineries.

The threats, pressure and ultimatums have come and gone, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained Moscow’s uncompromising demands in Ukraine, raising fears he could use a planned summit with U.