In a targeted drone attack, Ukraine struck an oil refinery in Russia's southern Krasnodar region, leading to the suspension of its operations, according to the refinery operator and regional authorities. This escalation in attacks comes as Ukraine faces an ongoing invasion by Russia and has recently intensified its strikes on energy sites.

The Slavyansk-on-Kuban refinery, situated in the Krasnodar region east of the Sea of Azov, was reportedly hit by six drones during the night. Roman Siniagovski, a regional official, shared the news of the attack on Telegram. The Slavyansk-on-Kuban refinery is one of the largest in southern Russia and had to halt its operations as a result of the strikes.

The refinery head of security, Eduard Trutnev, confirmed the attack and stated that the plant is currently at a standstill while the damage is being assessed, as reported by the Interfax news agency. The source of the attack, according to a Ukrainian defense official, was their own forces who targeted the refinery and the Kushchyovsky military airfield.

This recent attack marks the second time in three weeks that the Ukrainian security service has used drones to target the Kushchyovsky military airfield and the Slovyansk refinery, the defense source stated. The source further added that the airfield had several aircraft hit while the refinery complex was also targeted.

In a separate incident, Russian air defense intercepted 57 Ukrainian drones on Saturday night, as reported by the Russian defense ministry. The interception resulted in the downing of nine ATACMS tactical missiles and one drone over Crimea, a peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014. Furthermore, Ukrainian air attacks were reported in the Russian border region of Belgorod on Sunday by regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.

The ongoing clashes between Ukraine and Russia have seen an escalation in attacks on both sides. With energy sites being the primary target, the conflict continues to stir tensions between the two nations. As authorities assess the damage caused to the Slavyansk-on-Kuban refinery, the situation remains volatile in the region.

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