Ukraine hits Russian energy targets and denies striking Kremlin-occupied nuclear plant

Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russian energy sites overnight into Sunday, hitting a fuel storage facility in the Rostov region and damaging infrastructure in Saratov province, including an oil refinery. Kyiv stated these attacks target Russia's energy sector, which funds and fuels its invasion. Meanwhile, Ukraine denied Russian claims that a Ukrainian drone struck the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Russia's state nuclear company, Rosatom, alleged a drone exploded near a turbine hall, but Ukraine's military called it a "propaganda ploy" and stated it adheres to international humanitarian law. The International Atomic Energy Agency expressed concern, and Ukraine's nuclear agency said damage claims need verification by IAEA experts at the plant.

Ukrainian drones have targeted energy and industrial sites across several Russian regions, according to Russian authorities. In Saratov, a refinery was struck overnight, with the regional governor reporting damage to civilian infrastructure. Ukraine's military confirmed the attack on the Saratov oil refinery but denied hitting the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Drones also hit a facility and an oil-pumping station in the Kirov region, northeast of Moscow. Strikes were also reported in the Rostov, Voronezh, and Belgorod regions, with three civilians injured in Belgorod. In Crimea, restrictions on petrol sales were introduced. These strikes come as Ukraine's President Zelenskyy announced the receipt of a new air defense system from Germany and requested more ammunition.

Ukraine has escalated its aerial attacks, targeting Russian oil storage, ports, and refineries deep within Russia, including strikes in the Urals region, over the past week. President Zelenskyy announced this marks a "new stage" in Ukraine's use of weapons to disrupt Russia's war capabilities. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed striking a strategically important oil pumping and distribution facility in Perm, which reportedly resulted in widespread fires. Russia's Ministry of Defence acknowledged the strikes and reported downing numerous Ukrainian drones. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned these attacks as "terrorist attacks," and Russia has cited the "current operational situation" as a reason for scaling back its Victory Day parade. This campaign aims to reduce Russia's oil revenue, with Ukraine claiming to have significantly impacted oil offloading ports.