Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure, launching drone strikes on three offshore oil platforms in the Caspian Sea last Sunday. On the same day, a separate drone attack targeted the Russian city of Voronezh.
Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev reported that one woman was killed and three others injured in the city. Although several drones were shot down, casualties could not be avoided.
Meanwhile, the extent of damage to the Caspian oil facilities has not yet been fully disclosed. Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SSO) released video footage showing three explosive-laden drones flying over the sea at night and striking three drilling platforms owned by Russia’s major oil company, Lukoil. The targeted rigs were V. Filanovski, Yuri Korchagin, and Valery Graifer.
Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed that the drones successfully struck their intended targets, though a complete assessment of the damage is still underway. Kiev claims that these oil and gas facilities play a critical role in supporting Russia’s military operations, making them legitimate military targets. Ukraine has stated that recent attacks on energy infrastructure aim to weaken Russia’s warfighting capabilities.
Prior to these incidents, Russia had carried out widespread missile and drone attacks across Ukraine, severely damaging electricity and heating infrastructure in Kiev. Amid freezing temperatures, thousands of residents were left without power and heating. In response, the city’s mayor had temporarily urged citizens to relocate to safer areas.
Source: New York Post.