Ukraine refuted claims from Russia on Sunday, asserting that a Ukrainian drone did not hit the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. Amid these disputes, Kyiv launched new strikes on Russian energy locations overnight.
According to Ukraine’s General Staff, Ukrainian drones targeted the Saratov oil refinery in southwestern Russia, triggering a large fire. Damage assessment is ongoing, and the refinery, operated by Russia’s state oil enterprise Rosneft, is reportedly part of Moscow’s war supply chain. Roman Busargin, a local Russian governor, confirmed damage to civilian infrastructure but withheld further details. Astra, an independent Russian news channel, reported a refinery fire in Saratov.
Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian oil and gas facilities, citing the energy sector’s role in funding and fueling Moscow’s prolonged invasion, now exceeding four years.
Drone debris ignited a fuel depot in Russia’s Rostov region, adjacent to Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine. Governor Yuriy Slyusar revealed this on Telegram, stating that nearby residents were evacuated due to the fire.
Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed responsibility for the strike on the depot in Matveev Kurgan, where local authorities noted a massive blaze resulting from a drone strike. Additionally, Ukraine targeted the Lazarevo pumping station in Russia’s Kirov region, significantly distant from Ukrainian-held territory. This facility is instrumental in transporting Russian oil from Siberia to Belarus. Governor Alexander Sokolov acknowledged drone attacks in the Kirov region without disclosing details.
Kyiv denied Russia’s assertion of a drone attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the largest in Europe. Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear energy corporation, claimed a drone explosion caused structural damage. CEO Alexei Likhachev accused Ukraine of a deliberate assault, stating a kamikaze drone hit the turbine hall building. However, primary equipment remained unscathed.
Ukraine’s military denied targeting the plant, describing the allegations as propaganda. A statement emphasized adherence to international humanitarian law and awareness of implications concerning nuclear sites. It noted no active fighting or weapon deployment near the facility at the time.
Rafael Grossi, leader of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed grave concern on social media following the incident. Russian forces have controlled the plant since early in the conflict, with the area near the Southern Zaporizhzhia region front lines. It remains part of Russia’s formal annexation efforts, lacking full military control and international support. The nuclear facility has faced repeated attacks since the February 2022 invasion, heightening fears of an accident.
Ukraine’s nuclear supervisory agency stressed the necessity for IAEA experts stationed at Zaporizhzhia to verify Russia’s reported damage, as part of ongoing monitoring efforts.
Elsewhere, Ukraine’s air force reported successfully shooting down 212 of 299 total drones launched by Russia on Sunday night. They noted that 14 drones reached their intended targets, with debris impacting five sites.
Russian drones hit Dnipro city and the Rivne region’s oil refinery, resulting in fires. Regional administration head Oleksandr Koval confirmed no injuries at the refinery, with emergency response units already deployed.