Ukrainian forces strike oil refinery in Russia's Volgograd Oblast, aircraft factory in occupied Crimea, military confirms

Ukraine's military has struck targets deep within Russian territory. The strikes hit an oil refinery in Russia's Volgograd Oblast and an aircraft factory in Yevpatoriia, Crimea. The Kyiv Independent and Ukrinform confirm the strikes, with the latter also mentioning an attack on the Taman Port. The Independent reports that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed three oil refineries were hit, approximately 1,600 kilometers behind enemy lines.

The strikes are part of a broader campaign by Ukraine to disrupt Russian supply chains and industrial capabilities. The Independent and the Kyiv Post both mention the use of drones in these attacks, indicating a strategic shift in Ukraine's military tactics. The Kyiv Post also notes that Ufa refineries were targeted, though coverage does not yet specify the extent of the damage. Russia has responded with a missile barrage on Kyiv, according to Bloomberg.

The attack reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, with nine people killed. The Independent describes the Russian retaliation as 'horrific', underscoring the escalating nature of the conflict. The Ukrainian military has not yet commented on the civilian impact of the Russian strikes.