### Ukraine Strikes Key Oil Terminal in Crimea Amid Intensifying Conflict

In a significant move against Russia's war efforts, Ukraine’s military announced on Monday that it successfully targeted a major oil terminal in Crimea. This terminal, located in Feodosia on the south coast of the Russia-occupied peninsula, has been a critical supplier of fuel for Russian forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the ongoing conflict has now entered a crucial phase.

The conflict, ignited by Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has persisted without signs of resolution. Both nations face the challenge of sustaining their costly war of attrition. Ukraine's General Staff shared that the strike on the Feodosia terminal is part of their continuous efforts to weaken Russia's military and economic capabilities.

Local authorities installed by Russia in Feodosia reported a fire at the terminal but refrained from disclosing the cause. Ukraine’s strategy increasingly targets essential rear areas that support Russia’s offensive, employing long-range drones to hit oil depots, refineries, and armories. The goal is to disrupt Russia's front-line support, especially in the eastern Donetsk region, where Ukrainian forces face an intense battlefield.

Kyiv is also awaiting responses from its Western allies regarding requests for the use of long-range weapons against targets on Russian soil. Discussions on this topic may advance at the upcoming meeting at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where defense leaders from over 50 nations that aid Ukraine will convene.

In a video statement, Zelenskyy addressed the critical state of the conflict, highlighting the Ukrainian army's efforts to withstand larger Russian forces in the east and maintain control in Ukraine's Kursk border region, captured two months ago. He reiterated Ukraine's commitment to exert pressure on Russia, believing that strength is essential to bring peace closer.

In retaliation, Russia launched six missiles of various types and 74 Shahed drones at Ukraine overnight. Kyiv's mayor, Vitalii Klitschko, reported minor damage to civilian infrastructure from missile debris, though no injuries occurred. Notably, fragments from three missiles landed on a kindergarten.

Ukraine’s Air Force, represented by Yuri Ihnat, noted the complexity of intercepting the increasingly sophisticated Russian missiles. Despite high interception rates, some missiles still penetrate Ukraine's defenses as Russia adapts its tactics and technology.

Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry claimed it shot down nearly two dozen Ukrainian drones overnight, underscoring the ongoing and escalating nature of the confrontation.