Ukraine Launches Drone Attacks on Russia

Ukraine Launches Drone Attacks on Russia

Ukraine conducted extensive long-range drone attacks across multiple regions in Russia on Friday, targeting facilities including the Ryazan oil refinery. This action followed three consecutive days of significant Russian missile and drone strikes against Ukraine, which resulted in 24 fatalities in Kyiv, including three children, after a cruise missile struck an apartment building.

The Ukrainian attacks impacted several Russian regions, with reports of damage to residential and industrial facilities. Russia's Investigative Committee initiated a terrorism investigation into these strikes, stating that four individuals, including one child, were injured. The Ryazan oil refinery, a major facility, experienced a large fire after being hit by multiple impacts.

The Ukrainian strikes occurred after Russia launched over 1,500 drones and dozens of missiles across Ukraine during the preceding three days. Ukrainian officials characterized one of these barrages as the largest since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. In response to the casualties in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the site, and a national day of mourning was declared.

The Council of Europe also announced progress toward establishing a war crimes court to prosecute Russia's leadership.