In one of the war's largest drone operations, Ukrainian forces have targeted multiple Russian sites, claiming significant strikes against oil refineries and infrastructure, while casualties in Ukrainian cities also mount.
**Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russian Refineries and Infrastructure**
**Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Russian Refineries and Infrastructure**
Ukraine launches an unprecedented drone attack on Russian oil facilities as casualties rise in Kyiv.
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has reportedly executed a large-scale drone strike against Russian oil refineries and infrastructure. At least 121 drones were launched in one of the biggest operations seen in the war so far, according to Ukrainian officials. Video footage verified by the BBC captures a massive fireball erupting over the refinery and pumping station in the Ryazan region, southeast of Moscow, which was identified as a primary target.
While Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted all 121 drones aimed at 13 regions—including Moscow and Ryazan—they reported no damage. However, Ukrainian sources confirmed casualties from a separate Russian drone strike on a residential building in the Kyiv region, where three people lost their lives and one was injured.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, reiterated on Telegram that significant strikes had occurred at the Ryazan oil facility and the Kremniy factory in Bryansk, a site believed to manufacture missile components. Local bloggers and social media users provided footage showing flames engulfing the refinery's expansive 6 km² area, with many fleeing the scene.
The BBC Verify team confirmed the locations of two distinct fires at the facility, corroborating evidence of attacks. Meanwhile, reports emerged that the Kremniy factory halted operations following a coordinated strike by six drones, as emergency services responded.
Despite acknowledging the drone attacks, the Kremlin did not report any damage or casualties, claiming that its defenses successfully destroyed the Ukrainian drones. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, stated that Ukrainian drone attacks had been intercepted at four locations within the city, confirming that no damage occurred.
In Kursk, local authorities reported that overnight strikes had damaged power lines, affecting electricity in one district. On the flip side, Ukrainian air defenses managed to down 25 of the 58 drones launched by Russia in the same timeframe, with debris from one of the Russian drones resulting in civilian casualties in Hlevakha, Kyiv region.
As the war intensifies, Russia’s justice ministry has classified BBC Russian service journalists, including Olga Ivshina, as “foreign agents” in an ongoing crackdown on independent media. The BBC condemned the designation and emphasized the crucial role of their journalists in delivering unbiased news, especially in the context of the Ukrainian conflict.
While Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted all 121 drones aimed at 13 regions—including Moscow and Ryazan—they reported no damage. However, Ukrainian sources confirmed casualties from a separate Russian drone strike on a residential building in the Kyiv region, where three people lost their lives and one was injured.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, reiterated on Telegram that significant strikes had occurred at the Ryazan oil facility and the Kremniy factory in Bryansk, a site believed to manufacture missile components. Local bloggers and social media users provided footage showing flames engulfing the refinery's expansive 6 km² area, with many fleeing the scene.
The BBC Verify team confirmed the locations of two distinct fires at the facility, corroborating evidence of attacks. Meanwhile, reports emerged that the Kremniy factory halted operations following a coordinated strike by six drones, as emergency services responded.
Despite acknowledging the drone attacks, the Kremlin did not report any damage or casualties, claiming that its defenses successfully destroyed the Ukrainian drones. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, stated that Ukrainian drone attacks had been intercepted at four locations within the city, confirming that no damage occurred.
In Kursk, local authorities reported that overnight strikes had damaged power lines, affecting electricity in one district. On the flip side, Ukrainian air defenses managed to down 25 of the 58 drones launched by Russia in the same timeframe, with debris from one of the Russian drones resulting in civilian casualties in Hlevakha, Kyiv region.
As the war intensifies, Russia’s justice ministry has classified BBC Russian service journalists, including Olga Ivshina, as “foreign agents” in an ongoing crackdown on independent media. The BBC condemned the designation and emphasized the crucial role of their journalists in delivering unbiased news, especially in the context of the Ukrainian conflict.
