The Russian Defense Ministry disclosed on Wednesday that Ukrainian drones had targeted several regions in central and southwestern Russia. According to the ministry’s statement, air defense forces intercepted and destroyed six Ukrainian drones, with three over the Voronezh region, one over Ryazan, one over Belgorod, and one over Kursk.
Governor Pavel Malkov of the Ryazan region confirmed the attempted drone attack in his area but reported no casualties. However, details regarding the incident were not provided.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian media outlets, citing anonymous security service officials, reported alleged attacks on Russian oil refineries. According to RBC-Ukraine, Ukrainian forces damaged an oil refinery in the Ryazan region as part of a special intelligence operation. An unverified video circulated by RBC-Ukraine purportedly showed the refinery engulfed in flames.
Similarly, Ukrainska Pravda, citing unnamed Ukrainian military intelligence sources, claimed that another drone attack targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s southern Voronezh region. However, independent verification of these reports by The Moscow Times was not possible.
Russian authorities have yet to comment on the reported attacks on refineries. The Ryazan oil refinery, operated by the state oil giant Rosneft, accounts for approximately 5.8% of Russia’s total refined crude and has been a frequent target of Ukrainian attacks in recent months, Reuters reports.
The Ryazan region, situated northeast of Russia’s border with Ukraine and bordering the Moscow region, has become a focal point for Ukrainian drone strikes.
The alleged drone attacks on Russian oil refineries have reportedly contributed to a decline in the country’s gasoline production in recent weeks, as per Russian media reports citing official data. The incidents underscore the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, further exacerbating the geopolitical turmoil in the region.