Kyiv, Ukraine – In a daring move, Ukraine launched a series of drone strikes deep inside Russian territory, targeting energy sites and a major oil refinery in at least seven regions. The attack, one of the most extensive incursions into Russia in recent months, did not result in any casualties.
The Ukrainian defense ministry reported that more than two dozen drones were spotted over central Russia, with most of them intercepted near the Ukraine border. The strikes sparked large fires at two significant energy infrastructure sites in Russia, including a major oil refinery that sustained significant damage.
While Ukraine has previously targeted industrial sites and energy plants, the recent strikes also hit symbolic locations like the Kremlin roof, which was damaged in a drone strike in May 2023. Russian officials blamed Ukraine for the attacks, though Kyiv has remained silent, refusing to confirm its involvement.
In addition to the drone strikes, armed militia units from Ukraine, backed by Kyiv, made incursions into the Belgorod and Kursk regions of Russia. The Russian Volunteer Corps and Free Russia Legion, known for their anti-Kremlin stance, clashed with Russian forces in previous border incursions. Despite claims of armed groups attempting to breach the border, Russia’s defense ministry stated that the attack was successfully repelled.
The drone strikes caused damage to Russian fuel facilities, leading to fires and evacuations in some areas. The attack came amidst tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both nations accusing each other of instigating violence and unrest along their borders.
Russian lawmakers had proposed legislation to restrict the publication of information related to military activities, including Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia. However, the project was halted by the presidential administration to avoid stifling the pro-Kremlin military blogger community.
As the situation escalates, residents in southern Russia have been advised to take precautions against potential drone strikes, highlighting the ongoing security concerns in the region. Social media channels, particularly on messaging apps like Telegram, have become platforms for sharing images and reports of drone attacks, depicting the aftermath of the strikes on buildings and infrastructure.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to deepen, with both sides engaging in aggressive tactics and rhetoric. The international community closely monitors the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.