Ukrainian drones attacked oil facilities in western Russia overnight, confirmed defense sources in Kyiv, in an effort to hinder Russian military logistics. Kyiv has increased aerial assaults on Russian energy facilities to weaken Moscow’s ability to attack Ukrainian cities.
Officials in Smolensk and Lipetsk in western Russia announced the attacks, attributing them to Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles. No casualties were reported, and the fires were contained without further spreading. Ukrainian drones targeted the Lipetsk region in the south as well, destroying two oil depots in the Smolensk region.
A Ukrainian defense source confirmed that drones from the Security Service of Ukraine carried out the attacks, destroying two storage bases belonging to the Russian energy giant Rosneft. The source emphasized that such facilities are considered legitimate targets and Ukraine will continue such operations.
While Russia has systematically attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Ukraine also claims strikes on Russian refineries and oil storage facilities many kilometers from the border. British media reported that US officials cautioned Ukraine against persistent attacks on Russian oil facilities to prevent oil price increases.
In eastern Ukraine, Russian forces fired rockets at Kharkiv, injuring six people, according to Ukrainian officials. In the Donetsk region, also targeted by Russia, six people were wounded in attacks over the past 24 hours.
