Kiev hits two refineries while 400 thousand Ukrainians are without power

On Thursday, Ukraine attacked two Russian refineries in Ryazan and Ilyussk. The General Staff reported a hit on the Ryazan refinery, after which a fire broke out. The attack on the Ilya plant was confirmed by the commander of the Ukrainian drone forces, Robert Brovdi.

These attacks come in response to an increased Russian offensive against Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Recent airstrikes have left more than 400 thousand Ukrainians without electricity. The strikes have damaged power lines and transformers and led to a reduction in production at nuclear power plants.

Energoatom confirmed that the situation remains critical. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported a loss of connection to high voltage lines. Power outages lasted up to 16 hours in some areas. The worst affected areas are Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipro and Odessa.

The developments come at a time when Ukraine's energy sector has been hit by a corruption scandal that has led to the dismissal of the energy and justice ministers.

(reuters, max)