Ukrainian forces have conducted drone strikes on an oil refinery in Russia's Ryazan, approximately 200 km southeast of Moscow. The attack, confirmed by Ukraine's military, resulted in a large fire at the facility, described as one of Russia's largest refineries with a capacity of 17 million metric tons of crude oil per year. Additionally, Ukrainian drones struck 23 military targets in Russia and occupied Ukrainian territory overnight, including a small missile boat and a minesweeper at the Kaspiysk base on the Caspian Sea.
The strikes on Ryazan follow earlier attacks on a refinery in Tuapse, a Black Sea port town in Russia, which has suffered repeated drone strikes since April 16. The Tuapse refinery has been engulfed in fires, causing environmental damage, including toxic air and oil contamination affecting local wildlife and pets. The repeated attacks have disrupted port operations and rendered parts of the town uninhabitable.
Ukraine's drone operations have intensified in recent months, targeting critical infrastructure deep within Russian territory. These strikes coincide with reports of growing domestic discontent in Russia over the prolonged conflict, despite government efforts to suppress dissent through censorship and propaganda. President Vladimir Putin has hinted at a possible end to the war, suggesting a shift in Russia's strategic posture after four years of conflict.