Ukraine hits Russian refinery, bomber base in deep strikes
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- Ukraine carried out overnight drone strikes on the Engels airfield and Saratov oil refinery in Russia, both located about 600km from Ukraine’s border, according to President Zelensky.
- Zelensky described the strikes as 'long-range sanctions' targeting strategic facilities that support Russia's war effort, including bombers used in attacks on Ukraine.
- Russia reported eight deaths from Ukrainian drone attacks, with strikes also hitting a Wildberries warehouse in Samara and civilian vehicles in Udmurtia and Belgorod regions.
- Saratov regional Governor Roman Busargin confirmed drone damage to civilian infrastructure in Saratov and Engels, stating two people were killed in the region.
- Ukrainian military said its strike triggered a fire at Engels airfield, a key base for Russia’s Tu-95MC and Tu-160 strategic bombers conducting missile operations against Ukraine.
- Wildberries has been repeatedly targeted by Ukraine, which alleges the online retailer supplies drone components and navigation gear to the Russian military, impacting hundreds of small businesses using its platform.
Why it matters: Ukraine’s ability to strike deep inside Russia disrupts critical military and economic infrastructure, weakening Moscow’s logistics and war financing. With 635 drones reportedly intercepted, the scale of the campaign strains Russian air defenses while inflicting real casualties and economic damage—particularly on supply chains tied to major firms like Wildberries.
