- A Ukrainian drone struck an oil refinery deep inside Russia, killing at least 13.
- The head of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, said a drone hit a hostel, killing nine people.
- Minnikhanov declared a day of mourning, as Russian prosecutors opened a criminal case into alleged terrorism.
A Ukrainian drone strike on the Taneko oil refinery in Nizhnekamsk resulted in at least 13 fatalities, with nine victims reported at a hostel, according to Tatarstan's head, Rustam Minnikhanov. This incident, described as a “massive” attack, highlights Ukraine's escalating long-range strike capabilities, reaching targets 1,200km (750 miles) from its border.12
The Ukrainian military stated the raid aimed to diminish the “military potential of the Russian aggressor,” marking one of the deadliest assaults on Russian soil since the invasion began in 2022. The attack underscores the growing effectiveness of Ukraine's military strategy, as it continues to target critical infrastructure deep within Russia.
In response to the tragedy, Minnikhanov declared a day of mourning and Russian prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into the incident, labeling it as “terrorism.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that long-range sanctions against the Kremlin would persist, indicating a sustained commitment to countering Russian aggression.3
The Taneko refinery, one of Russia's largest and most advanced, is owned by the firm Tatneft, making it a significant target in Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia.
“If confirmed, the death toll would rank among the deadliest Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil since the 2022 invasion, highlighting Kyiv's expanding strike reach. Russian prosecutors have opened a criminal case into alleged terrorism, while Minnikhanov's mourning declaration underscores the attack's severity.”
The Guardian
