Ukraine launched a drone attack on a major Russian oil city located approximately 1,200 kilometers from its border, escalating its offensive against Russian rear positions by expanding its target range to energy facilities following recent strikes on large distribution networks.
According to reports from Reuters and other sources on August 10, a Ukrainian drone attack occurred in Nizhnekamsk, located in the Republic of Tatarstan, resulting in the deaths of 13 people. Local authorities reported that 75 individuals sought medical assistance, with 21 of them hospitalized.
The Ukrainian military confirmed that the TANECO oil facility in Nizhnekamsk was struck. Nizhnekamsk is a key oil and petrochemical production hub in central Russia, situated about 1,200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Russian officials stated that not only the oil facility but also civilian buildings, including accommodations, were damaged. The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as a 'terrorist act targeting civilians.'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked that operations targeting Russian oil facilities would continue, asserting that Russia is feeling the impact of these strikes. He also expressed gratitude to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for leading the long-range drone attacks.
Recently, Ukraine has intensified its attacks on Russian rear energy and logistics facilities. Since last month, logistics centers of Russia's largest online retailer, Wildberries, have been repeatedly targeted. This strategy aims to diminish Russia's war capabilities while spreading the effects of the conflict to areas far from the front lines.
As Ukraine's rear attacks intensify, Russia is preparing for the State Duma elections scheduled for September 20. The expansion of Ukraine's long-range strikes to major Russian cities and economic facilities is increasing pressure on the Putin administration.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its attacks on major Ukrainian cities. Recent airstrikes in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, have resulted in civilian casualties, highlighting the escalating back-and-forth attacks and the ongoing toll on civilians.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.