In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukraine carried out a major attack on Tuesday targeting Russian assets, including a crucial oil refinery. The assault, conducted with a combination of drones and rockets, aimed to strike at the heart of Russia’s infrastructure and breach its borders with armed proxies. This assault comes amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where both sides have utilized drones to target strategic locations. While Russia claims to have repelled attempts by Ukrainian proxies to cross the border, conflicting reports suggest breaches have occurred. The latest attack saw a series of drone strikes on Russian territories, resulting in the downing of multiple drones and damage to energy facilities, including a fire at Lukoil’s NORSI refinery. The refinery’s main crude distillation unit was reportedly damaged, leading to a significant halt in production. These attacks on Russian oil facilities pose challenges for President Vladimir Putin, particularly amidst heightened tensions with the West over Ukraine and concerns about domestic gasoline prices ahead of an upcoming presidential election. Despite Russia’s military response and claims of thwarting incursions, the conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides engaging in aggressive actions.
Ukraine Launches Major Attack on Russian Refinery, Inflicting Damage and Escalating Tensions