Ukraine Launches Strikes on Russian Border Regions, Targeting Oil Facilitie

Early Wednesday, Ukraine conducted missile and drone attacks on Russian border regions, specifically the southern Rostov and western Bryansk areas. The strikes resulted in a significant fire at an oil depot and damage to an industrial facility, as reported by local officials.

Videos from Bryansk captured a fireball illuminating the night sky, accompanied by air raid sirens in the Rostov region. The Ukrainian government claimed responsibility for the Bryansk attack, asserting that it targeted an oil depot supplying the Russian military. The depot is described as a loading point for the Druzhba oil pipeline, a vital route for Russian oil exports to Central Europe. Ukraine’s general staff confirmed a “massive fire” at the site, although they did not comment on the Rostov strike.

In Rostov, Governor Vasily Golubev reported that a Ukrainian missile had hit an industrial enterprise in the port city of Taganrog, causing considerable damage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the strikes as “tangible blows against Russian targets” that contribute to efforts to end the war. In a Telegram post, he stated, “We hit military facilities on the territory of Russia, as well as facilities of the fuel and energy complex, which is working for aggression against our state and people.”

This year, Ukraine has intensified its focus on Russian oil and gas facilities, aiming to weaken Moscow's energy sector, leading to billions in damages. In response, Russia has fortified key refineries and depots, some equipped with air defense systems.

Governor Alexander Bogomaz of Bryansk confirmed that Ukrainian drones had attacked a production facility, but noted that the fire had been extinguished. Ukraine views these operations as legitimate retaliation for Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure, which have left millions of Ukrainians without power.