### Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack on Russian Oil Facilities

#### The conflict continues to escalate as both Ukraine and Russia report drone attacks causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

Ukraine has reportedly conducted a substantial drone strike against a Russian oil refinery along with other targets as part of a wave involving at least 121 drones. This operation is one of the largest witnessed since the onset of the conflict. Footage verified by the BBC captures a significant explosion at an oil facility located in the Ryazan region, southeast of Moscow, which Ukrainian authorities confirmed as a target.

Russia has claimed to intercept 121 drones aimed at 13 regions, including Ryazan and the capital, Moscow, asserting that there was no damage resulting from the interceptions. In contrast, Ukrainian officials noted fatal consequences in a separate incident, where a Russian drone strike hit a residential building in the Kyiv region, resulting in three fatalities and injuries to one person.

Andriy Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine's disinformation countermeasures, stated via a Telegram message that the Ryazan oil refinery and the Kremniy factory in Bryansk—allegedly involved in missile production—were struck. Videos shared on social media show alarming footage of the refinery ablaze with onlookers fleeing from the chaos. BBC Verify was able to corroborate the details through matched visuals and geographic identifiers.

In response to the drone strikes, reports from Russian state media indicate that the Kremniy factory has suspended operations following an attack involving six drones. Pavel Malkov, the governor of the region, has confirmed that emergency services are currently on the scene addressing the situation.

The Kremlin has acknowledged the drone incursions but refrained from acknowledging any damage or casualties. They reported the interception of 121 drones, including six over Moscow and others in neighboring regions. Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, noted air defenses mitigated drone threats in the vicinity, although specifics on the number intercepted were not disclosed. Russian aviation authorities reported that two major airports in Moscow resumed normal operations after brief suspensions due to security alerts.

In parallel, the city of Kursk faced local damage as attacks impacted power lines, resulting in an electricity outage for a specific district.

Meanwhile, amid ongoing hostilities, Ukraine's air defense claims to have thwarted 25 out of 58 drones launched overnight by Russian forces. Tragically, debris from one destroyed drone resulted in casualties—killing two men and a woman in the Hlevakha area of Kyiv.

In a further development, the Russian government has designated BBC journalist Olga Ivshina as a "foreign agent," a move consistent with the broader strategy of controlling international media narratives. This designation mandates that those identified as foreign agents label their online materials and disclose financial information, with non-compliance leading to potential fines or imprisonment.

The situation remains perilous as both nations grapple with increasing military aggressions and civilian impacts amid the ongoing war.