A series of coordinated drone strikes hit industrial and military targets inside Russia, including an oil refinery in Salavat within the republic of Bashkortostan and naval assets in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, according to local reports and regional officials. The attacks triggered facility evacuations, caused infrastructure damage, and resulted in multiple casualties.
Drone Strikes Target Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat and Wildberries Facility
Ukrainian Telegram channels reported Thursday morning that an oil refinery in Salavat sustained damage during an assault on Bashkortostan. Independent Telegram channel Astra cited area residents who observed thick smoke billowing from the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat complex, which ranks among Russia’s largest petroleum refineries.
Simultaneously, Russian local media outlet UFA1RU documented black smoke rising near a major distribution center for online retailer Wildberries in the Chishminsky district. Eyewitnesses stated the smoke plume remained visible from a significant distance. Wildberries confirmed via press release that staff evacuated the site following a fire outbreak, though the company declined to confirm or deny whether a drone strike caused the blaze.
Bashkortostan head Radij Khabirov stated that the region faced a total onslaught of 21 drones, with Russian air defense systems intercepting 16 of them. Khabirov reported that two individuals sustained injuries during the operation and remain hospitalized receiving necessary medical treatment, though neither condition is considered life-threatening.
Novorossiysk Naval and Grain Terminal Assaults
Away from Bashkortostan, Ukraine executed a wide-ranging offensive against warships and major grain export terminals in the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, according to official statements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized the military action as successful in a post on X.
“Other Russian facilities that helped finance the war were also attacked,” Zelenskyy wrote, adding that it is entirely just for Ukraine to react to Russian aggression. While not directly addressing the grain terminals, Zelenskyy specified that Russian Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov-class frigates, a large landing ship, and a corvette were hit during the strikes.
Krasnodar Krai regional governor Veniamin Kondratjev reported via Telegram that three people died and 24 others sustained injuries as a result of the Novorossiysk attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which facilities were hit in Bashkortostan?
The Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery and a Wildberries distribution center in the Chishminsky district sustained damage from fires and reported drone activity.
How many casualties resulted from the Novorossiysk strikes?
According to regional governor Veniamin Kondratjev, three people were killed and 24 were injured in the Black Sea port city.
What military assets were targeted in Novorossiysk?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian frigates including the Admiral Essen and Admiral Makarov, a large landing ship, and a corvette were struck.
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