In a strategic move, Ukraine’s forces successfully hit an oil refinery in the Russian town of Kstovo, located approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the front lines in eastern Ukraine. According to Ukrainian media, four drones struck a Lukoil company depot, causing substantial damage.

Videos circulating on social media depicted large flames engulfing an industrial facility. Regional governor Gleb Nikitin confirmed that drone debris had fallen within an industrial zone, and there were no reported casualties.

In another development, the governor of Smolensk, Vasily Anokhin, reported on Telegram that a “massive” drone attack targeted civilian infrastructure in his region. Although no casualties were initially reported, Anokhin stated one drone was shot down while attempting to strike a nuclear power facility. The BBC has not independently verified this claim.

Tragically, in the border region of Belgorod, which frequently faces Ukrainian attacks since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, a mother and her toddler were killed. Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod region, added that another child and his father were wounded in the strike.

The attacks on Kstovo, Smolensk, and Belgorod were part of a broader overnight assault, during which Russia claimed to have downed over 100 Ukrainian drones. The incident led to the suspension of airport operations in St. Petersburg and Kazan.

This operation stands as one of the largest Ukrainian drone strikes during the war and the second such major attack of the week. Previous actions saw Ukraine targeting another Russian oil refinery and launching an attack on Moscow involving at least 121 drones.

As Ukraine launched its drone attacks, Moscow retaliated with its own overnight operation, issuing air alerts in various Ukrainian regions. The Ukrainian army reported countering this move by shooting down 29 Russian drones across nine regions.

As the conflict enters its third year, Russia remains focused on advancing in eastern Ukraine, gradually approaching the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub crucial for Ukrainian forces.

Conversely, Ukrainian forces continue their occupation of substantial territory in Russia’s western Kursk region, acquired through a swift offensive in August.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia underscores the relentless nature of the war, which continues to inflict significant damage and loss of life. As Ukraine and Russia exchange strikes, global attention remains fixed on the evolving situation in this disputed region.

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