In the midst of escalating tensions with Ukraine, Russia’s defence ministry has reported the destruction of numerous drones across several regions of the country.
The significant attack occurred in the southern Russian region of Krasnodar, targeting an oil refinery.
According to earlier reports from Krasnodar authorities, 17 drones were launched against the oil refinery in Slavyansk-on-Kuban. However, all were neutralized except one, which ignited a fire upon impact.
Despite the fire, which was extinguished without any reported fatalities, one person is believed to have died of a heart attack during the strike.
This incident marks the sixth oil refinery attacked in Russia over the past week, indicating a series of coordinated assaults.
Simultaneously, in other regions of Russia, additional drone activity was reported. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated on Telegram that four drones were downed while flying towards the capital early on Sunday. The defence ministry reported intercepting four drones in the Yaroslavl region north of Moscow.
Further attacks were reported in various regions including the western Belgorod region, where Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported four drones dropping explosive devices in the village of Oktyabrsky.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but damage to electricity and gas supply lines occurred.
Similar incidents were reported in the Kaluga, Oryol, Rostov, and Kursk regions, indicating a widespread pattern of drone activity.
The situation remains tense as Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of attempting to disrupt his bid for another six-year term in the ongoing controversial general election, where he faces no credible opposition.
Critics have labelled the election as neither free nor fair.
Furthermore, reports emerged on Sunday of multiple Russian air strikes on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, following a recent double missile attack that killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens more.
According to Ukraine’s southern defence forces, 13 Iranian-made Shahed drones were shot down during the latest strikes. Although no injuries were reported, fires erupted at two agricultural sites and several buildings were destroyed.
Ukrainian forces also shot down another drone in the Mykolaiv region amidst the escalating tensions between the two countries.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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