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Multiple regions across Russia and Ukraine were targeted in a series of drone and missile attacks overnight, escalating tensions as negotiations loom. A significant strike hit oil infrastructure in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, although Ukraine reported widespread Russian aerial assaults, prompting a preventative scramble of Polish fighter jets. The incidents underscore the ongoing vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the heightened state of alert in the region.
The attacks on Krasnodar Krai, a key region for Russian logistics and energy production, involved Ukrainian drones, according to Russian authorities. Simultaneously, Ukraine faced a barrage of Russian drones and missiles, triggering air raid alerts nationwide. The escalating exchange of attacks comes ahead of planned talks in Geneva, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation.
Drone Strike Damages Russian Oil Refinery
A drone attack caused a fire at the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai, a facility capable of processing up to six million tons of oil annually, according to the regional operational headquarters of the fire and rescue service. The fire, which impacted an area of approximately 700 square meters, has been extinguished. SITA reports that debris from downed drones also fell near a local football stadium.
The Ilsky refinery is a crucial asset for supplying fuel to Russian forces and the broader southern region. The refinery produces motor gasoline, diesel fuel and fuel oil used in heating plants and ships. Damage to the facility could disrupt fuel supplies and impact logistical operations.
Beyond the refinery, disruptions were reported at airports in Krasnodar, Sochi, and Gelendzhik, with flights temporarily suspended. Air raid sirens also sounded in Novorossiysk and other cities in the Kuban region.
Attacks Extend to Tatarstan, Ukrainian Cities Targeted
The attacks weren’t limited to Krasnodar Krai. Explosions were reported in Kazan and Nizhnekamsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, leading to temporary airport closures and a power outage in one district of Kazan. Aktuality.sk reports that these attacks demonstrate a widening geographic scope of Ukrainian drone operations.
Meanwhile, Ukraine came under a “massive” Russian attack involving drones and missiles, with strikes reported across multiple regions. Targets included areas near Odessa, Dnipro, and Kremenchuk. In Odessa, an infrastructure facility and a residential building were damaged, resulting in three injuries, one of which was serious, according to Serhiy Lysak, the head of the Odessa administration. Defence News details the extent of the damage in Dnipro, where an administrative building and a car were damaged, and residential buildings were affected.
Polish Jets Scramble in Response
In a present of solidarity and heightened vigilance, Poland scrambled its fighter jets in response to the Russian attacks on Ukraine. The Polish Operational Command stated the preventative measure was taken due to the threat posed by Russian aviation. Systems of air defense were also placed on alert. Novinky.cz reports that this action underscores the regional security concerns stemming from the conflict.
The series of attacks and counter-attacks highlights the ongoing intensity of the conflict and the increasing reliance on drone warfare. The targeting of critical infrastructure on both sides suggests a strategy aimed at disrupting logistical capabilities and exerting economic pressure. As diplomatic efforts continue, the potential for further escalation remains a significant concern. The situation will likely be a key topic of discussion during the upcoming negotiations in Geneva.
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