Ukraine launched a comprehensive assault on various locations within Russia on Tuesday, utilizing a combination of at least 25 drones and seven missiles, stated the Russian defense ministry.
In the ongoing conflict, both sides have employed drones to target critical infrastructure, military bases, and concentrations of troops. Over the past few months, Kyiv has specifically targeted Russian refineries and energy facilities.Even 1000km from Ukraine, Russian oil refineries are no longer safe.
— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) March 12, 2024
Nizhny Novgorod, Lukoil refinery.
pic.twitter.com/7dhg1q0EZO
The Russian defense ministry reported the interception of 25 Ukrainian drones across multiple Russian regions, encompassing Moscow, Leningrad, Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk, Tula, and Oryol. Local Russian authorities confirmed attacks on numerous energy installations.
The defense ministry characterized the assault as an attempted terrorist act by the Kyiv regime, aiming at targets within Russian territory. However, there was no immediate response from Ukraine regarding this allegation.
The state news agency RIA, citing Russian Railways, revealed that a specialized firefighting train was engaged in combating a blaze within Lukoil’s refinery in Kstovo.
Lukoil’s NORSI refinery, Russia’s fourth-largest, typically processes around 17 million metric tons of oil annually (equivalent to 340,000 barrels per day).
Reports from Russian Telegram channels suggested that a crude distillation unit at the refinery had been damaged and was ablaze. Moreover, a catalytic cracking unit at the facility had been forced to cease operations in January.
Drone and missile deployment
The Russian defense ministry disclosed that Ukraine had launched eight RM-70 rockets and one Tochka-U missile towards the Belgorod region. This attack coincided with reports from Russian war correspondents of attempts by armed groups to breach Russian territory.
Governor Andrei Klychkov of the Oryol region reported a drone strike on a fuel facility within his jurisdiction. Emergency services, as cited by RIA, confirmed that a petroleum tank caught fire following the attack. Approximately 17 individuals from nearby high-rise buildings were consequently evacuated to temporary accommodation.
Despite the defense ministry’s statement, officials from various regions continued to report drone attacks, with no casualties being reported thus far. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin of Moscow relayed via Telegram that one drone approaching Moscow was downed over the Ramensky district.