Ukraine Claims Strikes on Russian Defence Targets
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said his country’s forces struck a major Russian defence enterprise in Kirov and a separate oil facility located nearly 1,350 kilometres from Ukraine.
Ukraine Claims Strike on Kirov Defence Plant
Zelenskyy said the Kirov facility supplied components for Russian aircraft and missile systems used in attacks against Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian reports identified the target as the Avitek defence manufacturing plant.
Avitek produces aviation equipment, guided missile components and pilot rescue systems. Images circulating online showed smoke rising near an industrial complex, but the extent of the reported damage has not been independently verified.
Russian regional authorities did not immediately provide a detailed assessment of the alleged attack or confirm casualties.
Ukrainian Long-Range Strikes Target Russian Oil
Zelenskyy also claimed that Ukrainian forces successfully struck an oil facility nearly 1,350 kilometres from the Ukrainian border. He did not identify the installation or disclose the weapon used in the operation.
Kyiv describes its campaign against Russian energy infrastructure as “long-range sanctions”, arguing that oil revenue supports Moscow’s military operations. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted refineries, pumping stations, storage depots and export terminals inside Russia.
Claims concerning damage to the latest oil target remain unverified.
Russian Military Logistics Remain Targeted
The Ukrainian president said a broader operation against Russian military logistics was continuing. He claimed the targeted supply network provided Russia’s armed forces with drone components, navigation equipment and military gear.
Zelenskyy thanked the Ukrainian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and Security Service of Ukraine for conducting the operations. Kyiv maintains that its attacks are a justified response to continuing Russian missile and drone strikes.
Russia has previously accused Ukraine of targeting civilian infrastructure during long-range operations, while Kyiv says it focuses on facilities supporting Moscow’s war effort.
