In brief
Ukraine says it hit a key Russian oil refinery and the Engels airfield, a cornerstone of Russian strategic aviation, in overnight strikes 600 km from the border. Russian forces report eight fatalities and massive drone interceptions, plus a hit on a Wildberries warehouse. Moscow also claims it struck two Ukrainian ports and two vessels in the Black Sea. Ukrainian forces have tied the attacks to supply losses for Russian drone operations while the front line stays largely static. The war, begun by Russia in February 2022, continues to feature escalated strikes on major infrastructure.
Ukraine says it carried out overnight strikes deep inside Russia, hitting a major oil refinery and an airfield that houses Russian strategic aviation.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Engels airfield and the Saratov oil refinery, both 600 km from Ukraine’s border, were hit. An oil depot in Kaluga and a drone launch site in Bryansk were also struck.
Russia reported eight deaths and 635 drones shot down or intercepted, and an additional strike on a Wildberries warehouse. Moscow also claimed it attacked two Ukrainian ports and two vessels in the Black Sea overnight.
Later the same day, Ukraine said a Russian strike on a postal terminal near Kharkiv killed one person. In the weeks, both sides have intensified attacks on major cities, energy facilities and warehouses, while the front line remains largely static and US‑led mediation has stalled.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the full‑scale invasion in February 2022.
The Engels airfield is a key base for Russia’s strategic aviation, hosting Tu‑95MC and Tu‑160 bombers that have launched missile strikes against Ukraine. Governor Roman Busargin admitted that the drone attack damaged civilian infrastructure in Saratov and Engels and caused two deaths.
Ukraine also reported three deaths from a drone attack on a civilian vehicle in Udmurtia and another three in Belgorod. Ukraine’s Rozetka and Wildberries warehouses have been striking targets, as Russian troops use part of their logistics networks in drone operations.
