A significant blow was dealt to Vladimir Putin’s military capabilities as Ukrainian forces targeted critical Russian defense-related chemical plants and oil refineries. The assault struck the Metafrax Chemicals facility in the Perm region and the Novo-Ufimsky oil refinery in Ufa, located approximately 870 miles away from the conflict zone. Additionally, Kyiv’s strikes caused a massive fire at the Kirishi refinery in the Leningrad region, one of Putin’s key refineries with an annual production capacity of 21 million tonnes of explosives.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces acknowledged responsibility for the attack on Telegram and are evaluating the impact of the strike. Meanwhile, the Metafrax Chemicals plant was hit in a separate drone attack, though the local governor assured that operations would continue without casualties. Despite this, a Ukrainian lawmaker mentioned on Telegram that the drones had inflicted damage on the facility, which only recently opened in 2023.
Situated in the Russian Ural mountains about 1,200 miles from Kyiv, the Gubakha region’s Metafrax Chemicals plant was targeted in the strikes, showcasing Ukraine’s ability to reach deeper into Russian territory to disrupt energy and chemical assets.
These successes for Kyiv come amidst Russia’s ongoing illegal invasion and intensified deadly assaults on Ukraine. Over 20 Ukrainians tragically lost their lives in a ruthless Russian airstrike while collecting pensions in a rural village. President Zelensky confirmed the strike on Telegram, sharing a distressing video of the aftermath in Yarova village, Eastern Ukraine, where at least 20 civilians were killed.
Zelensky condemned the brutal attack and called on Europe, the US, and the G20 to take decisive action to halt the devastating conflict, urging for a strong global response to Russia’s atrocities. The Ukrainian leader emphasized the need for stronger sanctions and interventions to prevent further loss of life and ensure accountability for Russia’s actions.