War experts: Ukrainians settle scores

Ukraine continues its strikes deep within Russian territory, targeting crucial oil refining infrastructure. Recent attacks have hit the Salavat oil refinery in Bashkortostan, one of Russia's largest, located approximately 1,400 km from the contact line. Another refinery in Afipsky, Krasnodar Krai, about 360 km from the front, was also attacked.

In a significant naval operation, Ukrainian forces used a maritime drone to destroy a Russian border patrol ship in port. The attack resulted in casualties among Russian sailors. This vessel had a history with Ukraine, having participated in the 2018 Kerch Strait incident where it attacked a Ukrainian tugboat.

Ukraine's air defense also reported successes, intercepting five ballistic missiles and neutralizing or diverting 108 drones launched by Russia. The downing of five ballistic missiles suggests the arrival of new Patriot missile shipments, bolstering Ukraine's defensive capabilities. Attacks were concentrated in Kyiv and Odesa, with ongoing drone strikes and a missile attack on Mykolaiv Oblast.

On the ground, fighting remains intense in eastern Ukraine. In the Lyman direction, Russian attack intensity has decreased, possibly indicating regrouping. Heavy fighting continues in Sloviansk and Kostiantynivka. In Zaporizhzhia, Ukrainian forces reportedly advanced approximately 3 km south in the Berezove-Makiivka sector, potentially threatening a key Russian supply route.