Ukraine Intensifies Drone Attacks on Russian Infrastructure

Ukraine has increased its drone attacks on Russia, igniting a major oil refinery in the southern region. This action resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, according to Russian sources. President Vladimir Putin admitted Russia is undergoing a challenging period.

In recent months, Ukraine has targeted Russian military and energy sectors. The goal is to disrupt Moscow’s revenue streams from the ongoing invasion, now in its fifth year. Analysts believe the attacks weaken Russia’s battlefield efforts and pressure on the Kremlin to negotiate has intensified.

Our ‘long-range sanctions’ have reached two oil refineries in Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on the Telegram app that each strike reduces resources fueling the Russian military and moves toward peace.

Debris from Ukrainian drones caused a fire at a refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani, located in Russia’s Krasnodar region, east of Crimea. The incident resulted in one casualty and injuries to another, based on local reports. Slavyansk is a key refinery in southern Russia, processing around 4 million tons of crude annually. It supplies petroleum exports, including fuel oil, naphtha, and marine fuel, via the Black Sea ports.

Zelenskyy noted another refinery in Yaroslavl, 700 kilometers from Ukraine, was also targeted. Russian authorities have not reported on this yet. However, local Governor Mikhail Evraev mentioned temporary road closures between Moscow and Yaroslavl due to Ukrainian drone attacks. Yaroslavl’s airport and others experienced brief closures, as informed by the civil aviation agency.

Ukraine’s strategy aims to cut fuel deliveries to Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Recent attacks left Crimea facing its worst energy crisis since the annexation, prompting officials to suspend gasoline sales.

President Putin said Russia faces a difficult period but emphasized Moscow’s commitment to social responsibilities. He avoided direct reference to Ukrainian strikes or fuel shortages but assured the full implementation of crucial national development programs.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak acknowledged a review of fuel export agreements to avoid impacting domestic supplies. Fuel sales in Siberia’s Irkutsk region have been restricted. Governor Igor Kobzev set a limit of 50 liters per purchase at Rosneft stations. Private networks like KreisNeft and Elke Auto also imposed similar limits due to supply issues.

Drone and missile attacks impacted other regions. A Russian bomb in Zaporizhzhia, southern Ukraine, killed two and injured 16, including children. Ukrainian drone strikes in Belgorod, Russia, resulted in one death. The Russian Defense Ministry reported downing 213 drones overnight. Ukraine claimed its forces intercepted 125 out of 142 drone attacks and seven out of eight missiles launched by Russia.