A recent escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has resulted in significant military actions from both sides. Following Russia’s launch of a hypersonic missile and an extensive drone attack on Kyiv, Ukraine retaliated with a drone strike on an oil depot in Russia.
Ukrainian Drone Strike on Oil Depot
On Saturday, a Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Zhutovskaya oil depot located in Russia’s southern Volgograd region. This strike resulted in a fire at the facility, according to local officials. There were no reported casualties from the incident, as communicated by Volgograd Governor Andrei Bocharov through a Telegram update. However, he noted that residents living near the depot might need to evacuate.
Background of the Conflict
The strike on the oil depot occurred shortly after Russia’s aggressive military actions, which included the deployment of hypersonic missiles aimed at disrupting essential services in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported that these attacks particularly targeted the capital, Kyiv, resulting in four civilian casualties.
- Date of Ukraine’s drone strike: Saturday following an extensive Russian air assault.
- Affected site: Zhutovskaya oil depot in Volgograd, Russia.
Ukraine’s military indicated that the purpose of these long-range strikes is to undermine Russia’s oil supply, thereby impacting its ability to fund the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The use of the hypersonic missile by Russia represented a significant escalation, marking only the second time such a weapon has been deployed in the conflict.
Impact on Civilian Life
The ongoing attacks have severely affected civilians in Ukraine. Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary-General, condemned the recent bombardments, highlighting substantial harm to civilian life and critical infrastructure. Millions have been deprived of basic services such as electricity, heating, and clean water, amid the harsh winter conditions.
- Number of drones used by Russia: 121 drones and one Iskander-M ballistic missile.
- Ukrainian forces’ countermeasures: 94 of these drones were shot down.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reassured the public that power supply would be restored in Kyiv by the end of the day, although recovering fully on the left bank of the Dnieper River could take longer due to extensive damage.
Summary of Military Developments
In addition to the oil depot strike, Ukrainian forces also targeted a drone storage facility in Zaporizhzhia and a command center near Pokrovsk. These actions signify Ukraine’s strategy to disrupt Russian logistics and operations as it faces continued aggression.
The conflict not only remains a severe humanitarian crisis but also a battle of military tactics, with each side actively seeking an advantage in the protracted war.
