In a series of overnight operations, the Russian defense ministry has reported the destruction of "12 Ukrainian drones" that targeted regions bordering Ukraine. The attacks included strikes on several oil refineries in the Samara region, causing concern over the safety of energy sites in western Russia.

Governor Dmitriy Azarov of Samara confirmed the drone attacks via Telegram, stating that one strike led to a fire at the Kuibyshev refinery. However, he reassured the public that there were no casualties. The Kuibyshev refinery is operated by Russian oil giant Rosneft and stands as one of Samara's largest, with an annual production capacity of seven million tonnes.

Azarov also noted that another drone attack targeted the Novokuibyshevsk refinery, but it was successfully repelled without causing any damage to the facility's technological equipment.

Meanwhile, in the Belgorod region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported on Telegram that drone attacks on two districts resulted in two deaths and seven injuries. Reports from Russian media show damage to buildings, including the "Mont Blanc" business center. The Oskol electrometallurgical plant was also targeted, leading to loud explosions, but no casualties or significant damage were reported.

These attacks come during a period of heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides engaging in retaliatory attacks on each other's soil. The US is said to have urged Ukraine to cease its strikes on Russian oil refineries, raising concerns about potential reprisals and the impact on global crude prices.

These events coincide with Ukraine's successful drone strikes on Russian oil facilities just ahead of Russia's recent presidential election. Experts have noted that Ukraine's potent drone capabilities have put major oil refineries in western Russia at risk.

The aftermath of these attacks highlights the vulnerability of energy sites in the region, raising serious concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. With tensions still running high, the situation remains fluid and unpredictable, calling for international attention and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis.