In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian drones launched an attack on one of Russia’s biggest oil refineries in Tatarstan. This strike marks one of Kyiv’s deepest penetrations into Russian territory since the conflict began over two years ago. The attack, which targeted facilities near the cities of Yelabuga and Nizhnekamsk, resulted in injuries to 12 people, according to Russian regional authorities. Ukrainian drone developers have been working to extend the range of their weapons to compensate for their military disadvantages, while also being a more affordable option as they await additional military aid from the U.S.
Ukrainian security and intelligence officials revealed that the attack on the Nizhnekamsk oil refinery was carried out using long-range drones produced in Ukraine. The officials also mentioned targeting a drone-production site in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, known for its industrialization. This latest strike is part of a series of assaults on Russian territory, with neither side being able to make a significant impact on the frontlines of the conflict. While Ukrainian officials typically do not comment on attacks on Russian soil, this operation was acknowledged, although the claims could not be independently verified by The Associated Press.
Russian officials responded to the attack, with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu accusing Ukraine of trying to divert attention from its military setbacks by targeting Russian territory. Shoigu claimed that Russian troops had gained more than 400 square kilometers since the beginning of the year. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia was taking steps to strengthen defenses against such attacks, with the military working to minimize and eliminate the threat posed by Ukrainian drone strikes. The recent attack on the Tatarstan facilities is seen as the furthest target attempted by Ukraine, with previous strikes occurring closer to the border.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously mentioned the development of long-range weapons capable of hitting targets hundreds of kilometers away, hinting at drone attacks on Russian soil. Ukraine’s efforts to build an army of drones have shown results, with successful strikes on Russian navy ships in the Black Sea using sea drones. This has led to embarrassing situations for the Kremlin, prompting the appointment of new naval chiefs and commanders. Additionally, a rocket attack on Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in injuries to 18 people, including teenagers, and the destruction of a kindergarten and school building.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has taken a significant toll on civilians, with more than 10,500 deaths and over 20,000 injuries reported by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. He highlighted the entrenched and protracted nature of the conflict, marked by recurring waves of attacks across the country. The latest attack on Ukraine’s power grid involved intercepting nine out of 10 Shahed drones launched by Russia. As the conflict persists, civilian lives continue to be at risk, underscoring the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. Follow the Associated Press’s coverage for the latest updates on the war in Ukraine.
