Ukraine hits Russian energy targets and denies striking Kremlin-occupied nuclear plant
Ukraine denied striking the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant while confirming drone attacks on Russian energy sites, including the Saratov oil refinery and a fuel depot in Rostov, which caused fires and evacuations. Kyiv also targeted the Lazarevo pumping station in Russia’s Kirov region, emphasizing its campaign to disrupt Moscow’s war effort by hitting energy infrastructure.
Ukraine’s General Staff rejected Russian claims that a Ukrainian drone struck the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, calling it a propaganda ploy. The military confirmed overnight drone attacks on Russian energy targets, including the Saratov oil refinery, which caught fire and supplies Moscow’s war effort. The refinery, operated by Russia’s state-owned Rosneft, produces diesel and gasoline, while local governor Roman Busargin reported damage to civilian infrastructure. A separate drone strike in Russia’s southwestern Rostov region ignited a fuel depot, prompting evacuations of nearby homes, according to Governor Yuriy Slyusar. Ukraine’s military acknowledged responsibility for the attack in Matveev Kurgan, further escalating its campaign against Russian energy assets. Kyiv also targeted the Lazarevo pumping station in Russia’s Kirov region, over 745 miles from Ukrainian-controlled territory, disrupting oil shipments from Siberia to Belarus. Local Governor Alexander Sokolov confirmed the drone strike but provided no further details. Russia’s state nuclear agency, Rosatom, claimed a Ukrainian drone damaged the turbine hall at Zaporizhzhia’s Power Unit No. 6, though CEO Alexei Likhachev stated no critical equipment was harmed. Ukraine’s military insisted it did not strike the plant, stressing compliance with international humanitarian law. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed serious concern, while Ukraine’s nuclear agency demanded IAEA verification of Russia’s claims. The Zaporizhzhia plant, Europe’s largest, has been under Russian control since early in the war and remains near the front lines in southern Ukraine. Kyiv’s repeated strikes on Russian energy infrastructure aim to undermine Moscow’s military and economic capabilities amid the ongoing conflict.
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