Ukraine's Drone Assault Sparks Fires at Russian Energy Sites

Ukraine launched a series of drone attacks on power and refinery plants in Russia's Moscow and Tver regions, causing fires and destruction. Russia's defense ministry reported the overnight destruction of 158 drones, but no casualties were reported. Kyiv seeks permission from the U.S. to use allied-supplied weapons to increase impact.

Ukraine initiated a series of drone assaults targeting power and refinery plants in Russia's Moscow and Tver regions, igniting fires and causing substantial damage, Russian officials reported on Sunday.

Debris from the drones triggered fires at the Moscow Oil Refinery and the Konakovo Power Station in Tver, a major energy producer in central Russia. According to Russia's defence ministry, air defence units intercepted 158 drones launched by Ukraine overnight, including nine in and around Moscow.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin stated that some drones targeted the Moscow refinery, leading to an ongoing fire at a technical room. Reuters reported that the TASS news agency classified the fire with the highest complexity level, possibly necessitating additional rescue units.

Owned by Gazprom Neft, the oil division of Russian gas giant Gazprom, the Moscow refinery and surrounding infrastructure faced loud explosions near the Konakovo power plant, as per the Baza Telegram news channel, which is closely linked to Russia's security services.

(With inputs from agencies.)