Ukraine launched a series of drone attacks on Russia and annexed Crimea, resulting in at least two deaths and an oil refinery fire. The attack was the largest aerial offensive by Kyiv in recent weeks as Russian forces continue to advance along the front line in northeastern Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting or destroying over 100 Ukrainian air and seaborne drones in the south of the country, Crimea, and the Black Sea regions.
Among the casualties, a mother and her four-year-old son were killed after a drone struck their car near the border in Russia’s Belgorod region. The father of the child was injured, while the driver of the car sustained shrapnel wounds. In another incident, a gas station in a village caught fire due to a drone attack, but no casualties were reported. Additionally, two Ukrainian drones hit an oil refinery in Tuapse, causing a large fire but again with no casualties.
In annexed Crimea, debris from downed drones fell on an electrical substation in the city of Sevastopol, resulting in a partial blackout. The Russian-installed governor warned of isolated blackouts due to insufficient energy supply until restoration work is completed. The drone attacks are a part of ongoing conflict as Russian forces push further into Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region after launching a fresh offensive last week. Nearly 9,000 civilians have been evacuated from the border area as Russia advances towards Vovchansk and nearby villages.
Russia’s Defense Ministry reported the destruction and interception of 51 drones over Crimea, 44 over the Krasnodar region, six over the Belgorod region, and one over the Kursk region. The Russian navy also reportedly destroyed six seaborne drones. The attacks highlight the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with Kyiv facing manpower shortages and delays in U.S. military aid shipments. Ukrainian forces are engaged in a fierce battle as Russian forces continue to advance in several regions, causing casualties and infrastructure damage.
The drone attacks reflect Ukraine’s efforts to counter Russian advances and defend its territory amid the ongoing conflict. The attacks have resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure, including a gas station fire and a partial blackout in annexed Crimea. The conflict has led to the evacuation of thousands of civilians as Russian forces continue to advance in northeastern Ukraine, causing concern over the escalating violence and humanitarian impact. The situation remains tense as both sides engage in fierce fighting, with uncertainty over the outcome and potential for further escalation in the conflict.
