On Monday, Ukraine’s military announced a successful strike on a key oil terminal in Crimea, pivotal for fueling Russian military efforts. The General Staff of Ukraine shared on social media that this terminal, located in Feodosia on the southern coast, has been vital in supplying fuel to Russian forces.
The attack aimed to “undermine the military and economic potential of the Russian Federation,” military officials stated. In response, Russian authorities in Feodosia acknowledged a fire at the terminal but did not clarify its cause.
This strike follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s assertion that the conflict has reached a critical juncture.
Russian Defense Ministry via AP
Ukraine has ramped up its assaults on key rear areas supporting Russia’s military operations, now in their third year. Through the use of long-range drones, Ukrainian forces have effectively targeted oil depots, refineries, and ammunition stores.
As both nations deal with the ongoing war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the situation remains tense. Ukraine’s strategy seeks to weaken Russia’s ability to support its front-line units, particularly where fierce battles wear down Ukrainian defenses in the eastern Donetsk region.
While awaiting responses from Western allies regarding requests for long-range weaponry, critical discussions are set for next weekend at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where defense leaders from over 50 nations will gather to discuss military aid for Ukraine.
Russian Defense Ministry via AP
Zelensky highlighted the importance of this phase of the conflict, stressing that Ukraine must keep the pressure on Russia to ensure the war does not yield any gains. “We will continue to apply even greater pressure on Russia—only through strength can we bring peace closer,” he asserted in a recent video message.
In related news, Russia launched an attack with six missiles and 74 Shahed drones overnight. Ukraine’s air force reported that debris from missiles fell in three Kyiv districts, causing minor damage to civilian infrastructure and igniting fires, though no injuries were reported. Mayor Vitali Klitschko noted that missile fragments landed near a kindergarten.
Yurii Ihnat, acting head of Ukraine’s Air Force Communications, reported that two hypersonic Kinzhal missiles aimed at Kyiv were intercepted. Despite challenges posed by Russia’s advancements, Ukrainian defenses managed to neutralize several incoming threats. “While we’re up against increasing difficulties and better technology, we successfully intercepted two today,” Ihnat said, although he acknowledged that some Russian missiles still penetrated defenses.
In a counterclaim, Russia’s Defense Ministry alleged it shot down nearly two dozen Ukrainian drones during the same timeframe.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press