Ukrainian drones struck deep inside Russia overnight, hitting key energy sites in what appears to be an expanding campaign against fuel infrastructure. Officials from both countries confirmed attacks on an oil refinery, a pipeline station, and a fuel depot across several regions, according to The Nation.
Ukraine’s military said one of the main targets was the Saratov oil refinery, located about 700 kilometers from the front line along the Volga River. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the strike as part of the country’s “long-range” efforts to weaken Russia’s war capacity. Local Russian authorities acknowledged damage to civilian infrastructure and reported a large fire, though details remained limited.
Further north, Ukraine said it hit the Lazarevo pumping station in the Kirov region, a key link in a pipeline that carries Siberian oil toward Belarus. The site lies nearly 1,300 kilometers from Ukrainian-held territory, showing the growing reach of Kyiv’s drone operations. Regional officials confirmed a strike but gave few specifics.
In southern Russia’s Rostov region, near the front lines, a fuel depot was set ablaze after a drone attack in the town of Matveyev Kurgan. Ukrainian officials confirmed responsibility. Other border regions, including Belgorod and Voronezh, also reported damage, with at least three civilians injured.
Russia said it shot down over 200 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Ukraine reported intercepting most of the 229 drones launched by Russia in return strikes.
Meanwhile, tensions rose around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Russia accused Ukraine of a drone strike, which Kyiv denied. UN inspectors reported damage to a turbine building but said radiation levels remain normal.
