Drones and Rockets Strike Russian Targets – What’s Next in the Conflict?

Image credit: Euronews

Ukraine launched a barrage of drones and rockets targeting key locations in Russia on Tuesday, resulting in substantial damage to a major oil refinery. This aggressive assault aimed to breach Russia’s borders and challenge its territorial integrity, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, spanning over two years, has witnessed both sides employing drones to strike critical infrastructure, military sites, and troop concentrations. Recent months have seen Kyiv targeting Russian refineries and energy facilities, intensifying the conflict.

Russia reported that Ukrainian proxies attempted to breach the Russian border in multiple attacks, which Russian forces successfully repelled. However, Ukrainian groups claimed to have crossed the border, a claim vehemently denied by Russia.

In one of the most significant drone offensives launched by Ukraine against Russia, Moscow confirmed the downing of 25 Ukrainian drones across various regions, including Moscow and Leningrad. The assault persisted throughout the day, with the Russian defense ministry reporting continued waves of drone attacks.

Russian authorities disclosed attacks on energy facilities, notably a fire erupting at Lukoil’s NORSI refinery and the destruction of a drone near the town of Kirishi, home to Russia’s second-largest oil refinery.

Gleb Nikitin, governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, acknowledged the incident, stating that emergency services were striving to extinguish the blaze at the NORSI refinery. Industry insiders revealed that the refinery’s main crude distillation unit suffered damage, resulting in the halt of at least half of its production capacity. However, Lukoil declined to comment on the matter.

NORSI refinery plays a significant role in Russia’s energy sector, refining millions of tons of crude oil annually and contributing substantially to the country’s gasoline, diesel fuel, and aviation fuel production.

The attack on Russian energy infrastructure poses a challenge for President Vladimir Putin, particularly amidst rising domestic gasoline prices and ahead of the upcoming presidential election in March. In response, Russia imposed a six-month ban on gasoline exports, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Despite facing pressure from Western sanctions and the conflict in Ukraine, Russia remains resolute in its military operations. The Kremlin affirmed its commitment to continue the operation, emphasizing its determination to safeguard national interests.

Amidst the border tensions, Russia reported thwarting attempted incursions from Ukraine into the Belgorod and Kursk regions, inflicting significant losses on the attackers. However, Ukrainian armed groups claimed to have launched cross-border raids, escalating the situation further.

While Russia denied incursions into its territory, it acknowledged border attacks in multiple areas, underscoring the volatile nature of the conflict. The clashes resulted in casualties on both sides, further exacerbating the already tense situation.

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine escalates, the international community watches with growing concern, fearing the potential for further violence and instability in the region.

As reported by Reuters in their recent article