Ukrainian forces carried out a drone attack that ignited several oil storage tanks near Azov in southern Russia, escalating tensions between the two countries. Kyiv has targeted Russian energy facilities in retaliation for Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian power plants, causing widespread damage to the country’s energy grid.
The governor of Rostov confirmed the drone attack caused fires in the oil product tanks, with no reported casualties. Ukraine’s Security Service vowed to continue drone strikes on Russian oil facilities to weaken the enemy’s economic resources for war.
As the conflict intensifies, Russian forces are advancing towards strategic locations in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian military personnel remain determined to secure crucial supply routes and defend against Russian aggression.
In response to the escalating crisis, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on China to stop supporting Russia’s defense industry, while world leaders emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity in ongoing diplomatic discussions.
Despite international efforts to broker peace talks, Moscow continues to demand Kyiv’s surrender as a prerequisite for negotiations.
© 2024 AFP