Ukrainian Denials Over Drone Strikes
Ukraine refuted Russia’s claims of a Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. Simultaneously, Kyiv intensified assaults on Russian energy targets, prompting Moscow’s accusations.
Escalation in Energy Sector Attacks
Ukraine’s military reported successful drone strikes on the Saratov oil refinery in Russia’s southwest, igniting a significant fire. This refinery, owned by Rosneft, a Russian state oil enterprise, contributes to Moscow’s wartime logistics by producing diesel and gasoline.
“We are clarifying the damage extent,” stated Ukraine’s General Staff. Local Russian governor Roman Busargin mentioned damage to civilian infrastructure, without elaboration. Independent reports confirmed a fire in Saratov.
Ukraine increased its operations against Russian oil and gas facilities, claiming the energy sector supports Moscow’s extended invasion efforts.
Further Attacks on Russian Fuel Depots
Drone debris ignited a fuel depot in Russia’s Rostov area near the Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian border. Governor Yuriy Slyusar noted evacuations due to the fire.
Ukraine’s confirmation came on Sunday, asserting responsibility for the strike on Matveev Kurgan’s depot. Authorities there cited a drone-induced blaze.
Strikes on Oil Transport Facilities
Ukraine targeted Russia’s Lazarevo station, northeast of Moscow, which channels oil from Siberia to Belarus. Kirov region authorities confirmed a drone attack but withheld details.
Rebuttals Over Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Allegations
Ukraine dismissed Russian accusations of a drone strike on Europe’s largest nuclear plant, Zaporizhzhia. Alexei Likhachev of Rosatom alleged a deliberate attack, indicating damage but no main equipment compromise.
The Ukrainian military countered these claims, labeling them propaganda and emphasizing adherence to international humanitarian laws concerning nuclear sites.
IAEA leader Rafael Grossi expressed concern following the incident. Russian forces seized the plant early in the conflict, keeping it near southern Zaporizhzhia’s front lines.
“Damage must be verified by IAEA experts,” Ukraine’s nuclear agency insisted.
The nuclear site has faced repeated threats since the February 2022 invasion, raising fears of a nuclear mishap. Both sides accuse each other of targeting the location.
Drones and Air Defense Reports
Ukraine announced its air force shot down 212 of 299 Russian drones overnight. Despite defenses, 14 drones hit targets, with debris causing damage in five areas.
Russian drones struck Dnipro and a Rivne refinery, inciting fires. Rivne Governor Oleksandr Koval reported no injuries at the refinery, with emergency crews addressing the situation.
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