Ukraine claims responsibility for targeted attacks on Russian oil refineries

Russian Authorities Report Drone Attacks, Casualties

At least two people have been killed in drone attacks carried out by Ukraine, according to Russian authorities. The attacks targeted two oil refineries in the Slavyansk and Yaroslavl regions, approximately 300 and 700 kilometers from the front line, respectively.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that his military conducted the strikes using long-range drones, aiming to weaken Russia’s ability to wage war. The attacks occurred overnight, with one person killed in Slavyansk-na-Kubani and another in the Shebekinsky district of the Belgorod region.

Russia reported that it shot down 117 enemy drones over a 24-hour period, with some dropping explosive devices on its territory seven times. Ukrainian drone strikes have also affected Crimea, where fuel sales were suspended following attacks on oil facilities and electricity plants.

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has continued for over four years, with both sides engaging in various forms of military activity. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow is willing to renew talks on ending the fighting, but emphasized the need for Ukraine to surrender the Donbas region as a condition for negotiations.

In related news, Ukrainian forces reported advances in their ground offensive west of Lyman, killing 30 Ukrainian soldiers and destroying four vehicles, five unmanned robotic systems, and nine drone control centers.

Source: Al Jazeera