Kyiv launched a series of assaults overnight targeting Russian energy facilities. Ukrainian forces have also rejected Moscow’s accusations of a Ukrainian drone strike on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, drones hit the Saratov oil refinery in southwestern Russia, igniting a substantial fire. The refinery, part of Russia’s state oil company Rosneft, reportedly supplies Moscow’s military efforts.
Roman Busargin, a local Russian governor, stated that Ukrainian drones inflicted damage on civilian infrastructure but did not provide specifics. Astra, an independent Russian news organization, reported a fire at an oil refinery in Saratov. Ukraine has recently increased attacks on Russia’s oil and gas sectors, asserting these industries support and drive Moscow’s prolonged invasion.
“Tonight, our soldiers delivered long-range strikes against an oil refinery in Saratov, Russia, approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) from the front line. A noteworthy achievement,” stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on social media.
In Russia’s southwestern Rostov region, drone debris caused a fire at a fuel depot. The region borders eastern Ukraine, which is under Russian occupation. Governor Yuriy Slyusar reported evacuations of nearby homes. Ukraine’s General Staff acknowledged their forces were behind the strike in Matveev Kurgan town. Local authorities confirmed a large-scale fire due to the drone strike.
Further strikes were reported in Russia’s Kirov region, northeast of Moscow. The attack targeted the Lazarevo pumping station, located more than 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) from Ukrainian-controlled areas. The station facilitates Russian oil transport from Siberia to Belarus. Regional Governor Alexander Sokolov confirmed the attack but withheld additional details.
Ukraine Denies Drone Strike at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Kyiv has denied claims of a Ukrainian drone targeting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, Europe’s largest. Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear entity, accused Ukraine of deliberate aggression. CEO Alexei Likhachev claimed a Ukrainian drone caused a detonation in the Power Unit No. 6 turbine hall, though he reported no significant equipment damage.
Ukraine’s military refuted targeting the plant, denouncing the assertion as “a propaganda tactic.” The military highlights adherence to international humanitarian laws, acknowledging the perils associated with attacking nuclear sites. Rafael Grossi, head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog IAEA, expressed grave concern following the incident.
The IAEA confirmed damage to the exterior of a turbine building, resembling drone impact. Inspectors observed no change in radiation levels but requested further examination inside the turbine hall. Russia seized the Zaporizhzhia plant early in the war. Its proximity to frontlines in the southern region, which Russia annexed without full control or international recognition, heightens fears of nuclear accidents. Blame for targeting the plant shifts between Moscow and Kyiv.
Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Exploiting Ukrainian Children
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” accused Russia of treating abducted Ukrainian children as combatants. He alleged evidence of Russian indoctrination, training them to fight against Ukrainians.
“They educated these children to despise their homeland and people. Imagine young Ukrainians on the battlefield, attacking fellow Ukrainians,” he remarked. Zelenskyy also claimed Russia has separated siblings, adopting them into different families, and suggested potential exchanges of children for captured Ukrainian soldiers.
Since the invasion, tens of thousands of children have been unlawfully deported to Russia or Russian-held territories in eastern Ukraine. The European Union sanctioned 16 officials linked to these abductions, alleging identity changes and adoptions. Sanctions also targeted seven facilities suspected of indoctrination or military training.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, holding him accountable for these war crimes.
Continued Drone Attacks Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukraine’s air force reported downing 212 of 299 drones launched by Russia overnight. Despite this, 14 drones reached their targets. Drone debris affected five locations.
A truck driver died early Sunday when drones struck a parking lot in Ukraine’s Chernihiv region. Russian drones also hit Dnipro city and an oil refinery in the Rivne region, sparking fires. Later, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk region reported one fatality and nine injuries due to Russian strikes.