August M
New overnight attacks exchanged between Russia and Ukraine have once again placed energy infrastructure at the centre of the conflict, with fatalities reported in Ukraine and a major industrial fire breaking out inside Russia.
Officials on both sides said drones and missiles targeted strategic facilities linked to fuel and energy production, reports DR News.
Civilian impact
At least five people were killed during Russian strikes on the Ukrainian regions of Poltava and Kharkiv, according to Ukrainian authorities and Reuters.
The attacks reportedly targeted gas production infrastructure and caused major disruptions to local energy supplies.
Naftogaz chief Serhiy Koretskyj said the strikes damaged facilities connected to gas distribution, while regional officials reported widespread service interruptions.
According to Poltava regional governor Vitaly Diakivnytch, nearly 3,500 customers lost access to gas supplies following the attacks.
Damage spreads
In addition to the deaths, at least 37 people were injured during the overnight assault, reports said.
Ukraine’s railway infrastructure was also damaged during the strikes, adding to the disruption caused by attacks on energy networks.
The latest bombardment follows months of repeated Russian attacks on Ukraine’s power and gas sectors, particularly during winter periods when civilian infrastructure faced sustained pressure.
According to Danish analysts cited by DR News, both Ukraine and Russia have increasingly focused attacks on each other’s oil and gas industries in recent months.
Fire in Russia
Russia also reported damage overnight after what officials described as a Ukrainian drone strike in the Leningrad region.
A fire erupted in an industrial zone in the city of Kirishi, where one of Russia’s largest oil refineries is located.
“The enemy’s main target was the oil refinery,” regional governor Alexander Drozdenko said, according to Reuters.
Russian authorities said no injuries were reported and claimed the blaze had largely been brought under control by morning.
Drone barrage
Russia’s Defence Ministry said air defence systems intercepted 289 Ukrainian drones over multiple Russian regions overnight.
The ministry did not provide details about the full extent of the attacks or possible infrastructure damage beyond the Kirishi fire.
It also remained unclear how many Russian drones or missiles Ukraine intercepted during the same period.
Sources: DR News, Reuters, Naftogaz, regional officials in Ukraine and Russia
