A significant blow was dealt to Vladimir Putin’s military infrastructure as Ukrainian forces targeted key Russian defense-related chemical facilities and oil refineries. The strikes hit the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Gubakha, Perm region, and the Novo-Ufimsky oil refinery in Ufa, approximately 870 miles away from the conflict zone. The Kirishi refinery in Leningrad region, one of Putin’s largest refineries, also went up in flames following the daring attacks by Kyiv, aimed at disrupting Moscow’s operations supporting the illegal invasion of Ukraine. The Kirishi plant, known for its capacity to produce 21 million tonnes of explosives annually, was heavily impacted.
Ukraine’s Armed Forces confirmed their responsibility for the strikes on Telegram and are currently assessing the aftermath of the impactful offensive. Additionally, the Metafrax Chemicals plant faced a separate drone attack, but the local governor assured that no casualties occurred and operations would continue as usual. However, a Ukrainian lawmaker noted on Telegram that the drones caused damage to the facility, which had recently opened in 2023.
Situated in the Russian Ural mountains, approximately 1,200 miles from Kyiv, the Gubakha region’s chemical plant was a new target showcasing Ukrainian forces’ ability to reach deeper into Russian territory, specifically targeting energy and chemical infrastructure.
These successful strikes by Kyiv come amidst Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion of Ukraine, marked by intensified deadly assaults. Tragically, more than 20 Ukrainians lost their lives in a brutal Russian airstrike while collecting pensions in a rural village. President Zelensky confirmed the strike via Telegram, sharing a distressing video showing the aftermath of the attack in the village of Yarova, eastern Ukraine, where at least 20 civilians perished.
Calling for global action, Zelensky urged Europe, the US, and the G20 to take decisive steps to halt the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the need for a strong response to Russia’s destructive actions, stressing the importance of not remaining silent or inactive in the face of such atrocities.
