Ukraine has reportedly executed a large-scale drone strike targeting a Russian oil refinery, involving over 100 drones. This attack is among the most extensive operations of its kind during the ongoing conflict.
Fireball Erupts Over Ryazan
Verified video footage shows a massive fireball erupting over an oil refinery and pumping station located in the Ryazan region. Ukrainian officials confirmed that this site was one of the key targets.
Russia Claims Drone Interceptions
Russia claims to have shot down 121 drones aimed at 13 regions, including Moscow and Ryazan. However, they reported no damage from these intercepted drones.
Casualties from Russian Drone Strikes
In a separate incident, three individuals lost their lives, and one person was injured when a Russian drone struck a residential building in the Kyiv region. This attack highlights the ongoing dangers faced by civilians.
Targeting Critical Facilities
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s counter-disinformation center, reported that the oil refinery in Ryazan and the Kremniy plant in Bryansk were hit. The Kremniy facility is known for producing components used in missiles and other military equipment.
Social Media Footage
Images and videos shared on Telegram showed significant fires burning in Ryazan, with civilians fleeing the site in vehicles as flames engulfed the area. These posts corroborated claims of the attack’s intensity.
Emergency Response in Bryansk
The Kremlin acknowledged the assaults but did not mention any resulting damage or casualties. A statement from Bryansk’s Kremniy plant indicated that operations were suspended due to the drone strike, and emergency services were deployed to respond.
Moscow’s Air Defense Efforts
Sergei Sobyanin, the mayor of Moscow, stated that the city’s air defenses successfully intercepted Ukrainian drone attacks at four different locations. He reported no damages resulting from these defensive measures.
Airport Operations Resumed
Russian news agencies reported that Moscow’s Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports resumed flight operations after briefly suspending them due to the drone strikes. Several flights were redirected to other airports during this time.
Attacks in Kursk
In Kursk, Mayor Igor Kutsak reported that overnight drone attacks damaged power lines, leading to electricity outages in one district. This disruption underscores the broader impact of the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian Defense Against Russian Strikes
In response to Russian attacks, Ukraine’s air defenses reportedly destroyed 25 out of 58 drones launched overnight. The interior ministry confirmed that debris from one of these drones resulted in fatalities in the Hlevakha area of the Kyiv region.
Conclusion
The escalation of drone strikes between Ukraine and Russia illustrates the ongoing intensity of the conflict. Each side continues to target critical infrastructure and civilian areas, leading to tragic casualties and heightened tensions.
