Ukrainian Drones Hit Warehouses, Oil Depot in Russia; 9 Killed

Ukrainian drones struck two large warehouses and an oil depot across Russia overnight and into Saturday afternoon, killing nine people and wounding more than 60, according to Russian officials. Kyiv's forces have sustained a relentless aerial campaign targeting energy infrastructure and military sites within Russia, aiming to disrupt Moscow's war effort and make Russians feel the impact of the ongoing invasion.

Two major warehouses belonging to Russia's prominent online retailer, Wildberries, were hit. One was located in Kotovsk, Tambov region, approximately 360 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, while the other was in Elektrostal, just east of Moscow. An oil facility near Elektrostal in Noginsk also came under attack, igniting a fire that led to the evacuation of a nearby maternity hospital and residential buildings. Drone debris reportedly struck a kindergarten, causing a fire that was subsequently extinguished.

In the Kotovsk warehouse attack, seven night shift workers were killed and 25 others injured, as reported by Tambov regional Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov. In the Moscow region, 37 people were wounded, with one later succumbing to injuries in the hospital, according to Governor Andrei Vorobyov. Another person was killed and one injured in a drone attack on Russia's Belgorod region on Saturday afternoon.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Telegram that long-range Ukrainian strikes had hit two "significant logistical facilities in the Moscow and Tambov regions." He specified that these facilities were used by the aggressor to supply sanctioned components for drone and navigation equipment. An oil facility was also targeted. Additionally, a Ukrainian drone struck a residential building in Vladimir, causing a brief fire with no reported casualties. Ukrainian special operations also reportedly targeted sites in the Sea of Azov and occupied territories.

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These facilities were used by the aggressor to supply sanctioned components for the production of drones and navigation equipment.