Ukrainian Drone Strike Kills at Least 12 in Russia's Tatarstan

At least 12 people were killed and 39 injured after Ukrainian drones struck industrial facilities and civilian sites in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan on Monday, local authorities said. Mayor Radmir Belyaev described it as one of the deadliest Ukrainian drone attacks on the region since the start of the war.

Russian media reported that one of the targets was Tatneft's TANECO refinery, one of Russia's most advanced oil-processing facilities. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show smoke rising from the site, although Reuters was unable to independently verify the footage.

The TANECO refinery was also targeted in June. In 2024, it processed about 17 million metric tons of crude oil, producing roughly 2.7 million metric tons of gasoline and 8.5 million metric tons of diesel.

Tatarstan leader Rustam Minnikhanov declared a period of mourning following the attack.

Ukraine has stepped up long-range strikes on Russian oil infrastructure in recent months as part of its effort to disrupt fuel supplies and reduce Moscow's refining capacity. The campaign has contributed to localized fuel shortages, although Russian authorities say supplies have largely stabilized.

(Reuters, bak)