In a daring move, Ukraine launched a series of drone attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure overnight, resulting in a fierce retaliation from Moscow. The Defense Ministry in Moscow reported that fifty drones were shot down over eight Russian regions, with casualties reported in the Belgorod region near the Ukrainian border.
Tragically, two people lost their lives during the barrage, as explosions sparked a blaze that engulfed their home. The attacks were not limited to Belgorod, as drones were also destroyed in regions such as Bryansk, Kursk, Tula, and Smolensk, causing fires at various energy complexes.
Ukrainian officials have refrained from commenting on the attacks, but it is evident that the strikes were aimed at disrupting Russia’s energy infrastructure. This is part of a larger strategy by Ukraine to target Russian refineries and oil terminals in recent months, using drones as a cost-effective and efficient weapon.
In response, Russia launched seven missiles at Ukraine overnight, with Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepting some of them. The attacks caused damage to infrastructure in Odesa, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming the destruction of food export terminals. Additionally, Russian shelling in Vovchansk resulted in the death of a man and injuries to a woman in a residential building.
The escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to unfold, with both sides engaging in aggressive tactics that have devastating consequences for civilians and critical infrastructure.