Kyiv/Moscow – Ukraine targeted a major Russian oil refinery over the weekend as both nations intensified aerial strikes on critical infrastructure, while Russia launched a hypersonic missile in a show of military strength amid escalating hostilities in the war’s fourth year.
The Ukrainian military said it successfully hit the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad region, a significant facility in one of the world’s top oil-exporting countries. Ukrainian officials described the attack as a “successful strike,” citing explosions and fire at the site, though the extent of the damage remains unverified.
Leningrad regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed the refinery was targeted by three drones, which were destroyed. Debris sparked a fire that was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
The strike comes as Ukraine vows to continue targeting infrastructure used by Russia to transport troops, fuel, and ammunition to front-line positions. Ukrainian forces reported downing 164 drones and a ballistic missile during overnight attacks, while Russia claimed to have intercepted 361 drones and multiple HIMARS rockets.
Amid the ongoing drone warfare, Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced the test launch of a Zircon hypersonic missile from the Admiral Golovko frigate in the Barents Sea. The missile launch was part of the “Zapad” (West) joint strategic exercises with Belarus, which also included long-range anti-submarine aircraft and Su-34 fighter-bombers conducting simulated strikes on ground targets.
Meanwhile, cross-border instability continues to ripple across the region:
- Two freight trains derailed in separate incidents in Leningrad, killing one person and disrupting rail traffic.
- Three people died after an explosive device detonated on railway tracks in Russia’s Oryol region.
- A drone attack in Bashkortostan did not affect oil production, according to local authorities.
- A Russian drone breached Romanian airspace, prompting a scramble by Romanian fighter jets, although the drone exited without being intercepted.
- Poland deployed aircraft and temporarily closed Lublin airport amid nearby Russian drone activity, just days after shooting down drones with NATO support.
Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the railway incidents but reiterated its commitment to disrupting Russia’s military logistics.
In a related development, Ukrainian military leadership revealed potential plans to reduce mobile internet quality in targeted regions to prevent Russian drones from transmitting images in real time.
On the diplomatic front, U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would support new sanctions against Russia only if all NATO allies agree to cease oil imports from Moscow and implement coordinated sanctions.
As drone strikes and military exercises escalate, NATO announced a new security initiative—Eastern Sentry—to reinforce its eastern flank. Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the operation will involve allied assets from Denmark, France, the UK, and Germany.
“This military activity will commence in the coming days,” Rutte said, alongside U.S. General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s top European commander.
The surge in military action and cross-border incidents underscores growing tensions as the war grinds on, with both sides leveraging technology and strategic infrastructure attacks in an increasingly volatile conflict.
