Ukraine has carried out long-range drone strikes on two Russian oil refineries, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed, as Russia reported one of the largest waves of Ukrainian drone attacks since the start of the ongoing conflict.
Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces targeted oil facilities in Russia’s Bashkortostan and Yaroslavl regions as part of Kyiv’s continued campaign against strategic infrastructure supporting Moscow’s war effort.
Footage and local reports from Yaroslavl showed thick clouds of black smoke rising over the city following the attack.
The region’s governor, Mikhail Yevrayev, described the incident as the most significant drone assault recorded in the area, while Russian authorities said air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed dozens of incoming drones.
Russian military officials reported that more than 600 Ukrainian drones were detected and neutralised across several regions, including Yaroslavl. They also said the attacks caused fires at residential properties, with three homes reportedly affected.
The strikes are part of Ukraine’s expanding effort to hit key Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries, energy facilities, storage sites and military-related targets, as Kyiv seeks to disrupt supplies and logistics linked to Russia’s war operations.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said Russian drone and missile attacks continued across Ukraine, with casualties reported in several areas.
In the Kharkiv region, authorities said a Russian strike on a railway station killed two people and injured eight others, some of whom were reported to be in critical condition.
Officials in Ukraine also said recent Russian attacks damaged residential buildings, schools and government facilities, adding to the destruction caused by the prolonged conflict.
Both Moscow and Kyiv have repeatedly denied intentionally targeting civilians, maintaining that their military operations are directed at strategic targets.
However, civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure continue to be reported on both sides as the war enters another phase of intensified strikes.
