In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces have launched a series of drone attacks targeting Russian energy infrastructure overnight. Reports confirm fires breaking out at two major energy facilities:
- Moscow Oil Refinery: Located in the Kapotnya district, the facility experienced direct hits, leading to fires in a technical room. The city’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, confirmed the incident, noting that at least 11 drones were involved in the attack on the capital and its vicinity.
- Konakovo Power Station: Situated in Russia’s Tver region, approximately 75 miles from Moscow, this power plant was also struck, resulting in visible flames and loud explosions heard in the area.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that over 158 Ukrainian drones were involved in this widespread attack, targeting 15 different regions across Russia. While the Kashira Power Plant in the Moscow region was also targeted, it reportedly sustained no damage or casualties.
This bold move by Ukraine comes amidst heightened tensions, with Russian forces making advances in the Donetsk region, particularly around the strategic town of Pokrovsk. The drone strikes are seen as a direct response to recent Russian military actions, including a tragic incident where a Russian guided bomb strike killed a 14-year-old in Kharkiv.
Internationally, these attacks highlight the increasing sophistication and reach of Ukrainian military capabilities, potentially signaling a shift in the conflict’s dynamics. The Ukrainian government has not officially commented on the operation, but social media and local reports from the affected areas confirm the scale and impact of the drone strikes.
The global community watches closely as this development could lead to further retaliatory actions or a broader international response to the conflict’s escalation.